Serial killer from Haryana arrested in Gujarat; had killed teen and 4 others on trains in different states

PTC Web Desk: The arrest of a 29-year-old man in Gujarat has uncovered a chilling series of crimes spanning five states over the past month. The accused, identified as Rahul Singh Jat, hailing from Haryana’s Rohtak, was arrested in Vapi, Gujarat, for allegedly sexually assaulting and murdering a 19-year-old girl near railway tracks in Valsad earlier this month. Police investigations revealed his involvement in four other murders, including sexual assaults, carried out on trains and railway stations in Maharashtra, Karnataka, West Bengal, and Telangana.

The investigation began after the body of a 19-year-old girl was found near railway tracks close to Udvada station on November 14. The victim, a student, was returning home from her tuition classes when she was attacked. The police said the accused approached her from behind, sexually assaulted her, and then strangled her. Even after her death, Jat continued his depraved act for nearly two hours.

Following the crime, Jat purchased food and drinks from a nearby shop but had to flee the scene when people began gathering near the victim's body. He left behind a bag and a t-shirt, which later became crucial evidence for the police.

Valsad Superintendent of Police (SP) Karanraj Vaghela said Jat had been moving frequently across different states, making it challenging to track him. Evidence linked him to at least four other murders and sexual assaults committed on trains and at railway stations.

Between October 17-21, Jat allegedly sexually assaulted and murdered a woman on a Kanyakumari-bound train near Solapur, Maharashtra. On October 25, he strangled a passenger in a disabled train compartment in Karnataka.

On November 19, an elderly man was stabbed to death on the Katihar Express near Howrah station in West Bengal.

On November 24, he robbed and killed a woman on a train near Secunderabad station in Telangana.

Jat was arrested in a joint operation by local and railway police at Vapi railway station on November 26. The search involved teams from Haryana, Rajasthan, and Karnataka, as well as reviews of over 2,000 CCTV footage clips from locations, including Vapi, Valsad, Surat, and Udvada.

Criminal history and modus operandi

Jat, who dropped out after Class 5, has been involved in criminal activities from a young age. Estranged from his family due to his behaviour, he has more than 10 cases registered against him in Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh. He was earlier jailed in 2018-19 and earlier this year for truck theft and illegal arms smuggling.

Police described Jat as a drifter who primarily targeted lone people, especially women, on trains and at railway stations. He frequently traveled in coaches reserved for differently abled passengers, where he carried out thefts and assaults. He would sleep at railway stations or on trains to evade detection.

Jat visited Gujarat multiple times in the past year and was in the Valsad area to collect his salary from a hotel where he had worked briefly. The assault and murder of the 19-year-old girl occurred during this visit.

SP Vaghela highlighted the difficulties in nabbing Jat due to his nomadic lifestyle and his habit of frequently changing locations. The investigation was aided by the t-shirt and bag left at the crime scene, which led to Jat's identification. Forensic evidence and witness accounts further helped establish his involvement in the crime spree.

Jat confessed to the series of crimes during interrogation, admitting to five murders and multiple robberies in just over a month. Police suspect he may be involved in additional offenses, and further investigations are ongoing.