CBI Arrests Roop Singh After Nearly 23 Years on the Run in ₹9 Lakh Misappropriation Case Dating Back to 1998
Maharashtra, August 21, 2026: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested Roop Singh, a proclaimed offender who had allegedly been evading arrest for nearly 23 years in a criminal misappropriation case involving goods valued at approximately ₹9 lakh. The case dates back to 1998 and relates to the alleged theft and misappropriation of goods, including ghee and mung, that were being transported in two trucks in Maharashtra.
The arrest marks an important development in a long-pending case that has remained under investigation and legal proceedings for decades. According to the CBI, the agency continued its efforts to trace the accused despite the considerable passage of time since the alleged offence.
Case Originated in 1998
The case began with the registration of Case No. 178/1998 at Amalner Police Station in Maharashtra on October 4, 1998. The case concerned the alleged theft and misappropriation of goods loaded onto two trucks on September 27, 1998.
According to the allegations, two truck drivers, Babu Khan and Aslam Khan, were involved in the incident. The goods, which were valued at approximately ₹9 lakh, were allegedly misappropriated instead of being delivered to their intended destination.
As the matter progressed, the investigation was transferred to the CBI following an order dated February 25, 2002, issued by the Bombay High Court at Aurangabad in Criminal Writ Petition No. 547/2000, which had been filed on November 27, 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.
CBI Filed Chargesheet Against Four Accused
Following 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 four accused: Roop Singh, Arjun Singh, Babu Khan and Aslam Khan.
The agency’s investigation allegedly revealed that Roop Singh and Arjun Singh had entered into a criminal conspiracy with the two truck drivers to misappropriate goods that were supposed to be delivered to another party.
The accused were charged in connection with alleged offences involving criminal misappropriation, conspiracy and abetment. These allegations formed the basis of the legal proceedings initiated in the case.
Accused Declared Proclaimed Offenders
During the course of the trial, Roop Singh and Arjun Singh were released on bail but subsequently absconded, according to the CBI. As they failed to remain available for the legal proceedings, the competent court declared both men proclaimed offenders on November 11, 2010.
Meanwhile, Babu Khan and Aslam Khan had reportedly been absconding since the beginning of the case.
The prolonged absence of the accused made the case particularly challenging, as efforts to locate those evading the legal process continued over the years. The matter remained connected to allegations dating back to the late 1990s.
Arrest After Years of Efforts
After sustained efforts to trace the accused, the CBI arrested Roop Singh on August 21, 2026. His arrest comes nearly 23 years after he allegedly began absconding, according to the agency.
Earlier, another accused in the same case, Arjun Singh, was arrested on November 7, 2025, after reportedly remaining absconding for nearly 22 years.
The arrests represent significant developments in a case that has continued through years of investigation and court proceedings. They also reflect the CBI’s efforts to pursue accused persons who remain unavailable to face legal proceedings, even in cases that have been pending for a considerable period.
Investigation and Legal Proceedings
The arrest of Roop Singh is an important step towards advancing the proceedings in the long-pending misappropriation case. The matter concerns the alleged disappearance and misuse of goods worth approximately ₹9 lakh, and the case involves allegations of conspiracy and related offences.
The CBI has highlighted the arrest as an example of its continued efforts to trace absconding accused and bring them before the judicial system. Further proceedings will take place in accordance with the law.
News Source: Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) – Official Press Release
