Fugitive in Ilam Manslaughter Case Captured After 45 Years

KATHMANDU, July 2

Fugitive in Ilam Manslaughter Case Captured After 45 Years, In a major breakthrough, Nepal Police have arrested a long absconding convict who had been on the run for more than four decades after being convicted in a manslaughter case. The fugitive Til Bahadur Gurung 76, a resident of Sandakpur Rural Municipality-5 Ilam, was apprehended after 45 years of evading justice.

Gurung was convicted in connection with a duty related murder case that occurred in Ilam and was sentenced to 10 years of imprisonment by the District Court of Ilam on 12th Jestha, 2038 BS (approximately 1981 AD). However, shortly after the verdict was delivered, Gurung fled and had been living in hiding ever since.

Acting on a long standing warrant and with updated intelligence, a special team from the District Police Office Ilam, traced and arrested Gurung from his own hometown, where he had been discreetly residing under a low profile. Following his arrest, he was transferred directly to the District Jail in Ilam to serve his remaining sentence, as confirmed by police officials.

According to Superintendent of Police at the Ilam District Police Office, the arrest came as a result of continuous monitoring and efforts to close long pending cases. “This case is a reminder that no matter how much time passes, justice will be served. Fugitives cannot hide from the law forever,” said the SP.

The police have intensified operations across the country to apprehend fugitives with long standing convictions, especially those related to serious crimes like murder, manslaughter, armed robbery, and sexual violence. The arrest of Gurung is being seen as a significant success in this ongoing nationwide crackdown on absconders.

The case also highlights the need for strengthened border controls and better documentation systems to track convicts and prevent long term evasion. Officials are now reviewing similar historical cases to ensure all convicts are brought to justice, regardless of the time that has passed. Gurung arrest has brought a long overdue sense of closure to the victim family and to the local community in Ilam, where the incident had remained a bitter memory for decades.