Police have announced a ₹50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of Varun Kumar, the caretaker accused of murdering retired IAS officer Rakesh Agrawal at his residence in Bhopal. As the investigation intensifies, 12 police teams have been deployed across Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi to trace the accused.
Search Intensifies Across Five States
According to police, teams are checking possible hideouts and locations linked to Varun Kumar’s relatives and contacts. His family members have also been questioned in Patiala and other locations as investigators try to establish his movements after the crime.
Police have also released the reward in an effort to gather information from the public that could help locate the accused.
Mobile and Digital Footprints Under Scanner
Technical teams are examining Varun Kumar’s mobile phone records and other digital footprints to trace his movements and identify people he may have contacted after the incident.
Investigators are also analysing CCTV footage from routes the accused may have taken after leaving the crime scene.
Police have established that Varun Kumar reached Bhopal railway station after the incident and later travelled to Delhi by train. Separate teams are now working to identify his possible contacts and locations where he may have taken shelter.
Retired IAS Officer Found Dead at Home
Retired IAS officer Rakesh Agrawal was allegedly murdered at his residence in Surajnagar, Bhopal, on Wednesday morning. His body was found on the floor of a room with injuries to his neck caused by a sharp weapon.
During the investigation, police also found broken locks on cupboards inside the house, indicating a possible attempt to search or steal valuables.
Gas Leak Raises Suspicion of Fire Attempt
Police further found that the LPG cylinder pipe in the kitchen had been disconnected, allowing gas to spread through the house. Investigators suspect that the gas leak may have been part of an attempt to set the residence on fire and destroy evidence.
The police investigation is continuing as teams across five states search for the accused caretaker.