A shocking incident unfolded at Rajasthan’s high-security Ajmer jail on Monday, as a notorious dacoit from Madhya Pradesh’s Chambal region, Jagan Gurjar, was found dead inside his barrack at the prison. The police suspect he may have been murdered and have launched a probe to ascertain the circumstances leading to his death.

Superintendent of Police (SP) Harshvardhan Agrawal confirmed the development, saying that the cops were treating the case as suspicious and that more details are awaited, which shall emerge from forensic examinations and police inquiries. 

As per preliminary findings, the incident is believed to have unfolded between 11 am and 3 pm, a period during which inmates remain confined inside their barracks according to the standard prison protocol. 

Gurjar’s body was found during a routine inspection after the barracks had been unlocked later in the day. 

Cellmate questioned as forensic team collects evidence

According to police, Gurjar was sharing the barrack with Vishnu, an accused in the high-profile Kuldeep Jaghina murder case from Bharatpur. The cops immediately interrogated him after discovering Gurjar’s body, as he was present inside the cell at the time of the incident. 

FSL rushes to scene

Upon receipt of the information, a team from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) reached the prison, examined the crime scene and collected crucial evidence. The police have registered a case and are probing the case from all angles. 

Officials have not yet revealed the exact reason behind Gurjar’s death, and further clarity is expected after the completion of the post-mortem examination and forensic analysis. 

Who was Jagan Gurjar?

Notably, Gurjar was one of the most dreaded dacoits to emerge from the ravines of Chambal, operating for several years across the Dholpur Dang region, and his influence extended into Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. 

He had more than 100 criminal cases registered against him, including those pertaining to murder, dacoity, robbery, kidnapping, extortion and offences under the Arms Act. His nefarious activities made him one of the most wanted outlaws in the Chambal region. 

He drew nationwide attention during the 2008 Gurjar reservation agitation after he allegedly threatened to blow up the Dholpur Palace of Rajasthan’s former Chief Minister (CM) Vasundhara Raje, At the height of the manhunt, the cops had announced a bounty of Rs 11 lakh for information leading to his arrest. 

After being on the run for several years, Gurjar surrendered before the then Inspector General (IG) of Police of Bharatpur Range, Malini Agarwal, in Bayana on August 19, 2018.