CBI Arrests Absconding Accused Roop Singh After Nearly 23 Years in ₹9 Lakh Misappropriation Case
New Delhi, August 21, 2026: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested Roop Singh, a proclaimed offender who had been absconding for nearly 23 years in connection with a criminal misappropriation case involving goods valued at approximately ₹9 lakh. The case dates back to 1998 and concerns the alleged theft and misappropriation of goods, including ghee and mung, transported in two trucks in Maharashtra.
According to the CBI, the case originally began with the registration of Case No. 178/1998 at Amalner Police Station in Maharashtra on October 4, 1998. The case related to an incident allegedly involving two truck drivers, Babu Khan and Aslam Khan, who were accused of stealing and misappropriating goods loaded in two trucks on September 27, 1998.
The investigation was subsequently transferred to the CBI following an order issued on February 25, 2002, by the Bombay High Court at Aurangabad in Criminal Writ Petition No. 547/2000. Acting on the court’s directions, the CBI re-registered the case on April 5, 2002, as RC-4(S)/2002-CBI, SCB, Mumbai, against Babu Khan, Aslam Khan and others.
During the investigation, the CBI examined the alleged involvement of the accused in the misappropriation of goods that were supposed to be delivered to another party. The agency’s investigation revealed that Roop Singh and Arjun Singh had allegedly entered into a criminal conspiracy with the two truck drivers to misappropriate the goods. The alleged offences included criminal misappropriation, criminal conspiracy and abetment.
After completing its investigation, the CBI filed a chargesheet on December 19, 2003, before the Court of the Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC), Amalner. The chargesheet named Roop Singh, Arjun Singh, Babu Khan and Aslam Khan in connection with the case.
However, the legal proceedings faced delays as several accused remained unavailable to face trial. According to the CBI, Roop Singh and Arjun Singh were released on bail during the trial but subsequently absconded. On November 11, 2010, the competent court declared both men proclaimed offenders. Babu Khan and Aslam Khan had also reportedly been absconding since the case began.
After sustained efforts to trace the accused, the CBI arrested Roop Singh on August 21, 2026. His arrest marks a significant development in a case that has remained pending for decades. The agency’s efforts to locate the accused continued despite the considerable passage of time since the alleged incident.
Earlier, another accused in the same case, Arjun Singh, was arrested on November 7, 2025, after remaining absconding for nearly 22 years, according to the CBI.
The arrest of Roop Singh highlights the agency’s continued efforts to pursue long-pending cases and trace individuals who evade legal proceedings. It also represents an important step towards advancing the judicial process in a matter that originated nearly three decades ago.
The case concerns the alleged misappropriation of goods worth approximately ₹9 lakh, and further legal proceedings will follow in accordance with the law.
News Source: Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) – Official Press Release
