Jaipur, June 29 (IANS) Notorious dacoit Jagan Gurjar, who was found dead inside Ajmer’s High-Security Prison on Monday, first grabbed national headlines in 2008 after allegedly threatening to blow up the Dholpur residence of the then Rajasthan Chief Minister, Vasundhara Raje, with explosives.

The threat catapulted him into the national spotlight and intensified efforts by law enforcement agencies to track him down.

Jagan was born in Bhavutipura village in Dholpur district and reportedly earned his livelihood by selling milk on a bicycle before turning to crime nearly three decades ago.

In 2008, he allegedly threatened to bomb Raj Niwas Palace, the Dholpur residence of the then Chief Minister, Vasundhara Raje.

The incident drew nationwide attention, following which the police announced a reward of Rs 11 lakh for information leading to his arrest.

During his years on the run, Jagan Gurjar is believed to have used the rugged ravines of the Dang region in Dholpur as his primary hideout.

According to police records, he frequently changed locations and allegedly took shelter at the houses of associates to evade arrest.

One such associate, Murari Gurjar of Gothiyapura village, allegedly sheltered him after the 2008 threat case.

In 2009, Jagan Gurjar surrendered before the authorities in the presence of Congress leader Sachin Pilot.

Years later, during the 2018 Rajasthan Assembly elections, he entered the political arena indirectly by fielding his wife, Mamta Gurjar, as a candidate. She, however, was unsuccessful.

Meanwhile, following his death, teams from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) and the Mobile Investigation Unit (MOB) reached the prison, examined the crime scene and collected forensic evidence.

Investigators have secured the barrack where the incident occurred and begun examining the evidence.

According to preliminary findings, Jagan Gurjar is suspected to have died after being strangled, although the exact cause of death will be confirmed only after the post-mortem examination.

Police are investigating the alleged involvement of fellow inmate Vishnu, an undertrial accused in the high-profile Kuldeep Jaghina murder case from Bharatpur.

Both inmates were reportedly lodged in the same barrack.

Confirming the incident, Ajmer Superintendent of Police Harshvardhan Agrawala said prison personnel discovered Jagan Gurjar lying dead during a routine inspection after unlocking the barrack in the afternoon.

Vishnu, was present inside the barrack at the time. He has allegedly confessed to killing Gurjar.

Police have, however, launched an investigation into the circumstances leading to the death.

For years, Jagan Gurjar was considered one of the most feared dacoits operating in the Chambal ravines and the Dang region of Dholpur district.

Police records show that dozens of criminal cases, including murder, kidnapping, extortion and other serious offences, were registered against him during his years as an outlaw.

Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Jagan Gurjar’s death inside the high-security prison, and further details are expected after the post-mortem report and completion of the inquiry.

–IANS

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