Notorious Chambal dacoit Jagan Gurjar, lodged in Rajasthan’s high-security prison in Ajmer, was found dead inside his barrack on Monday in what police suspect to be a murder. Superintendent of Police Harshvardhan Agrawal confirmed the incident, stating an investigation was underway.
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According to police, the incident likely occurred between 11 am and 3 pm, when inmates remained locked inside their barracks as per jail protocol. During a routine inspection after the barracks were opened, jail personnel found Gurjar lying dead. His cellmate was also present inside the barrack at the time.
A Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team reached the prison, examined the scene, and collected evidence. Police have registered a case and are investigating the circumstances leading to Gurjar’s death, including the motive and the sequence of events.
Officials said Gurjar shared the barrack with Vishnu, an accused in the high-profile Kuldeep Jaghina murder case from Bharatpur. Investigators questioned Vishnu.
Who was Jagan Gurjar?
Jagan Gurjar was among the most dreaded dacoits of the Chambal region, with his influence extending across the ravines of the Dholpur Dang area, where he operated for several years. More than 100 criminal cases, including murder, dacoity, robbery, extortion, kidnapping, and offences under the Arms Act, were registered against him in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh.
He came into the national spotlight during the 2008 Gurjar reservation agitation after allegedly threatening to blow up the Dholpur Palace of former Rajasthan chief minister Vasundhara Raje.
At the time, police had announced a reward of ₹11 lakh for his arrest, making him one of the most wanted dacoits in the Chambal region.
Gurjar surrendered before the then Inspector General of Police, Bharatpur Range, Malini Agarwal, in Bayana on August 19, 2018, after years on the run.
Further details regarding the murder are awaited as the investigation progresses.
