20-Year-Long Manhunt Ends: Absconding Undertrial Finally Arrested
Paban Xess, a 50-year-old man, was arrested by Bargaon police in Sundargarh district after evading authorities for 20 years following a court appearance failure in a theft case. He had been living in Goa while on the run. Xess has been remanded to jail following his apprehension in his village.
In a stunning development, Bargaon police in Sundargarh district have apprehended a 50-year-old absconding undertrial, Paban Xess, who had eluded authorities for two decades. Xess was arrested following a tip-off that led law enforcement to his location in Goa, where he had been living quietly on the run since failing to appear in court for a theft case in 2003.
Xess's long history of evasion began when he was charged with theft. After being released on bail, he did not appear in court for his scheduled hearing, prompting a warrant for his arrest. Authorities in the region long considered him a fugitive, continually searching for clues regarding his whereabouts. As the years passed, many presumed he had left the country, but he managed to live unnoticed in Goa, blending in with the local community.
Local police, acting on a credible tip-off, began surveillance in the area where Xess was believed to be residing. Undercover operations eventually confirmed his identity. “It was baffling how he remained undetected for so long,” said an officer involved in the arrest. “Our team worked diligently to piece together information, and eventually, our efforts paid off.”
Upon his arrest, Xess was brought back to his native village in Sundargarh, where he now faces not only the original theft charges but also additional penalties for his long-term evasion of the law. The legal implications of his 20-year fugitive status are yet to be fully determined, as authorities weigh the options before them.
The apprehension of Xess has brought a sense of closure to the local community. Residents expressed their relief at the news, stating that they had long harbored suspicions about a man living quietly among them. “It’s incredible to think that he was one of the most wanted men in the district, and we never knew,” said a village elder. “Justice is finally catching up with him.”
As Xess awaits his fate in jail, authorities reiterate their commitment to upholding the law and ensuring that justice prevails, regardless of how long it takes. This case serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by law enforcement in keeping track of individuals who evade the judicial system for extended periods.
The incident has sparked conversations regarding the effectiveness of tracking fugitives and the methods employed by law enforcement to bring them to justice, raising questions about the resources dedicated to such long-term cases. As this story continues to develop, the residents of Bargaon remain vigilant, hoping that this incident will serve as a deterrent for others considering evasion from the law.



