No Escape from Justice: Long-Time Fugitive Finally Cornered by CBI in Wealth Case!
(By Syed Ali Taher Abedi)
New Delhi/Panchkula, February 20, 2026 — In a significant development underscoring the long arm of the law, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested Santosh Kumar, a proclaimed offender, in connection with a disproportionate assets case that has lingered for nearly two decades.
Background of the Case
The CBI had registered the case on June 17, 2008 against Chandra Shekhar, then General Manager of BSNL, Rohtak, along with Santosh Kumar and others. The allegations cantered on criminal conspiracy, cheating, and forgery.
Investigators alleged that Santosh Kumar projected himself as Director/Authorised Representative of M/s LVL Infrastructure Ltd., filing petitions to claim ownership of ₹85,00,000 recovered during search proceedings.
This maneuver was allegedly designed to shield the public servant and create a false ownership trail through forged and fabricated documents.
Judicial Proceedings
A charge sheet was filed before the Court of the Special Judge, CBI, Ambala (now at Panchkula). However, Santosh Kumar failed to join trial and was declared a Proclaimed Offender on March 24, 2011. Despite sustained efforts, he remained elusive for nearly 15 years.
Breakthrough and Arrest
Recently, through technical intelligence and ground verification, the CBI successfully pinpointed his location in Delhi. Acting swiftly, the agency apprehended Santosh Kumar on February 20, 2026.
He is now being produced before the CBI Court at Panchkula, where the judicial process will resume against him.
Judicial Significance
The arrest marks a reaffirmation of the principle that justice may be delayed, but it cannot be denied.
The judiciary’s earlier proclamation of abscondence now finds closure in the investigative agency’s perseverance. The case also highlights the judiciary’s reliance on investigative agencies to ensure that proclaimed offenders are brought back within the fold of law.
