Who Was Jagan Gurjar, the Notorious Chambal Dacoit Allegedly Murdered in Ajmer Jail?
Rajasthan Police said the incident took place inside a high-security barrack at Ajmer Central Jail, where Jagan Gurjar was lodged. Initial investigations indicate that a dispute broke out between Gurjar and his cellmate before the alleged assault.
Jagan Gurjar, one of the most feared dacoits from the Chambal region with more than 100 criminal cases against him, was allegedly murdered inside Rajasthan's high-security Ajmer Central Jail on Monday. According to police, Gurjar was found dead inside his barrack after an altercation with a fellow inmate, who has reportedly confessed to strangling him. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, raising fresh concerns over security inside one of the state's most secure prisons.
Alleged Murder of Jagan Gurjar Inside High-Security Ajmer Central Jail
Police said the incident took place inside a high-security barrack at Ajmer Central Jail, where Jagan Gurjar was lodged. Initial investigations indicate that a dispute broke out between Gurjar and his cellmate before the alleged assault. Bihar: 84-Year-Old Sentenced to Jail in 34-Year-Old Attempt to Murder Case; Video Shows 2 Men Helping Him Walk.
Officials said the accused inmate claimed he strangled Gurjar following the altercation. Prison authorities shifted Gurjar for medical attention, but he was declared dead. Forensic experts and senior police officers visited the jail, and an investigation is underway to determine the exact sequence of events and whether any security lapses occurred.
Who Was Jagan Gurjar?
Jagan Gurjar was a notorious dacoit who operated across the Chambal ravines spanning parts of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. Over the years, he became one of the region's most wanted criminals, with police records showing more than 100 cases registered against him.
The charges against him included murder, attempted murder, dacoity, kidnapping for ransom, extortion, illegal possession of arms and other serious offences. Law enforcement agencies had pursued him for years before he was eventually arrested and lodged in Ajmer's high-security prison. Gujarat Murder Convict Hemant Modi, Who Once Starred Alongside Amitabh Bachchan and Aamir Khan, Arrested After 12 Years on the Run – Details Inside.
Long Criminal History of Jagan Gurjar
Investigators said Gurjar had spent years evading police while allegedly leading criminal operations in the Chambal region. He was known to have carried a substantial reward on his arrest at different stages of his criminal career and was considered a high-risk inmate because of the seriousness of the cases against him.
Following his arrest, he remained in judicial custody while facing trial in multiple cases registered across different states.
Investigation Into Jail Death
Police have registered a case and begun questioning prison staff and inmates to establish the circumstances surrounding Gurjar's death. Authorities are also examining CCTV footage, forensic evidence and statements from witnesses inside the jail.
Officials have not ruled out any angle, including possible negligence or security lapses within the prison. Further action will depend on the findings of the investigation.
The Chambal region, stretching across Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, was once known for harbouring several notorious dacoit gangs. Although large-scale bandit activity has declined significantly over the past two decades due to sustained police operations, a few individuals linked to these gangs continued to face prosecution in serious criminal cases.
Jagan Gurjar was regarded as one of the last prominent names associated with the Chambal dacoit network. His alleged murder inside a high-security prison has once again brought attention to prison security and the management of high-risk inmates.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 29, 2026 10:42 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
