New Delhi, July 4 – In a major breakthrough, the Inter-State Cell (ISC) of the Delhi Police Crime Branch arrested a proclaimed offender involved in a violent armed robbery case from the Azadpur area. The accused, identified as Pankaj alias Pankha, 37, a resident of Jahangirpuri, had been evading arrest since 2020 and was declared a proclaimed offender by the court just days ago.
Declared Proclaimed Offender
Pankaj was wanted in connection with a robbery case registered at Mahendra Park Police Station. The case dates back to July 2, 2020, when two assailants attacked and injured a man, Anil Kumar, during a violent robbery in the area. The duo snatched his mobile phone and fled. A case under FIR No. 411/2020 was lodged under Sections 392, 394, and 34 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). One of the attackers was a child in conflict with law (CCL), while Pankaj remained on the run for nearly five years.
On June 30, 2025, the court officially declared Pankaj as a proclaimed offender after repeated failures to appear during trial proceedings.
Operation Launch
To curb the rising threat of absconding and repeat offenders in the national capital, the Crime Branch intensified efforts to locate and apprehend long-evading criminals. A special team led by Inspector Satender Poonia of ISC, Crime Branch, was constituted to track Pankaj.
Acting on credible intelligence received by Constable Amit (1498/Crime) on July 3, the team launched a surveillance operation in the Azadpur Mandi area. The information indicated that Pankaj had been spotted hiding in the vicinity.
Arrest Made After Coordinated Surveillance
A well-coordinated police team comprising SI Sanjay Kanojia (D-2088), SI Mukesh (D-2996), ASI Vinay (276/Crime), HC Ashish (576/Crime), HC Ravinder (1517/Crime), and Ct. Ravi (1397/Crime), under the supervision of Inspector Poonia and overall guidance of ACP Ramesh Chandra Lamba, conducted sustained human surveillance.
Using field intelligence and strategic planning, the police successfully apprehended the accused from the Adarsh Nagar locality, putting an end to his years-long run from law enforcement.
Confession and Modus Operandi
During interrogation, Pankaj admitted to his role in the 2020 robbery case. He revealed that he and his juvenile accomplice deliberately targeted the victim and used physical force to ensure successful execution of the crime. He confessed to evading arrest by constantly shifting locations and maintaining a low profile.
Investigators noted that Pankaj had become increasingly cautious and had avoided any traceable digital or public activity to remain under the radar.
Criminal Background
Police investigations revealed that Pankaj had a long history of involvement in heinous crimes, including murder, robbery, illegal arms possession, and theft. His criminal journey began at a young age due to his poor socio-economic background and association with criminal elements.
Despite being illiterate and supporting a family, he repeatedly returned to criminal activities, becoming a known menace in several localities of North-West Delhi.
Extensive Past Record
- FIR No. 411/2020 – Robbery and assault (PS Mahendra Park)
- FIR No. 482/2013 – Murder and attempt to murder (PS Jahangirpuri)
- FIR No. 722/2007 – Robbery (PS Jahangirpuri)
- FIR No. 1471/2021 – Armed robbery (PS Mahendra Park)
- FIR No. 498/2023 – Arms Act violation (PS Maurya Enclave)
- FIR No. 447/2023 – Arms Act violation (PS Jahangirpuri)
- FIR Nos. 2526/2021 to 00176/2021 – Series of thefts (17 cases from PS Adarsh Nagar)
- FIR No. 579/2018 – Assault and criminal intimidation (PS Mahendra Park)
Crackdown on Repeat Offenders Continues
The arrest of Pankaj underscores the Crime Branch’s ongoing commitment to apprehending fugitives and maintaining law and order in Delhi. Authorities stated that action against such habitual offenders will continue with full force to ensure the safety of the public.
The operation serves as another example of the Delhi Police’s resolve to bring hardened criminals to justice and prevent further crimes in the city.
