Rajasthan Man Arrested for 50th Time After Temple Robbery
Habitual offender with 50 cases since 1984 arrested once more.
Barkat Khan, a 68-year-old resident of Pachpadra in Rajasthan, also known as Babu, has been arrested for the fiftieth time following a robbery at the Ashapura Mataji Temple in Sointra near Shergarh. Authorities describe him as a notorious serial offender whose criminal record dates back to 1984, marking over four decades of repeated offences primarily involving theft and robbery.
The latest incident occurred when the temple was targeted twice within the past month, with the most recent theft involving Rs 25,000 in cash, a microphone set, an LED television, and a silver canopy taken from the temple's safe. The brazen crime heightened anxiety among local villagers, who endured sleepless nights amid fears of further burglaries. During intensified night patrols, police apprehended Khan while he was loitering suspiciously near the temple premises.
Upon his arrest, officers recovered several of the stolen items from the accused, raising expectations that further interrogation may reveal details about potential accomplices involved in the crimes. The Station House Officer confirmed that Khan qualifies as a habitual offender, having already spent more than a decade behind bars across his numerous incarcerations.
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Significantly, Khan had recently escaped from Ajmer Central Jail, adding another layer to his long history of evading custody and resuming criminal activities. Police have since bolstered night patrols in the area and implemented stricter surveillance on individuals with suspicious behaviour to prevent recurrence of such incidents.
The repeated offences by the elderly criminal have once again brought attention to challenges in rehabilitating habitual offenders and ensuring long-term security in rural religious sites. Authorities anticipate that this latest arrest will contribute to building a stronger case against Khan, potentially leading to extended imprisonment as he prepares to return to the confines of jail.
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