Archive · 5 Oct 2026
Scorpion Tattoo Helps Guide Search for Retired Officer’s Suspected Killer
Police in Bhopal are looking for Varun Kumar, who is suspected in the killing of retired officer Rakesh Agarwal.
A scorpion tattoo on Kumar’s neck may help people recognize him.
Police have shared his photo and details in five states.
Fifteen teams are searching and handing out pamphlets.
Police believe he may be avoiding mobile phones so they cannot track him.
Although police earlier said face-detection technology had placed him in Delhi, they have not found his exact location.
Investigators say he may not have taken much money or valuables from Agarwal’s home.
They say the reason for the killing may become clearer if Kumar is arrested and questioned.
People gathered on Monday to pay tribute to Agarwal.
Bhopal Police are searching for Varun Kumar in connection with the murder of retired IAS officer Rakesh Agarwal.
A lookout notice with Kumar’s photograph and identifying details has been circulated across five states.
Police say 15 teams are searching Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Punjab and Rajasthan, using pamphlets and checks along suspected escape routes.
Investigators say Kumar may be avoiding mobile phones; an earlier claim that face-detection technology traced him to Delhi has not led police to his exact location.
Police say they have not found evidence that Kumar took significant cash or valuables, and the motive remains unclear; tributes to Agarwal were held at Officer’s Mess in Char Imli on Monday.
- Who
- Varun Kumar is the suspect sought in connection with the murder of retired IAS officer Rakesh Agarwal.
- What
- Police are conducting a multi-state search for Kumar, using identifying details including a scorpion tattoo on his neck.
- When
- The article reports the search and says tributes to Agarwal were held on Monday; it does not give a date.
- Where
- The search covers Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Punjab and Rajasthan; the murder was in Bhopal.
- Why
- Police are seeking Kumar in connection with Agarwal’s murder. The motive has not been established.
- Suspect
- Varun Kumar
- Deceased
- Retired IAS officer Rakesh Agarwal
- Identification clue
- A scorpion tattoo on Kumar’s neck
- Search teams
- 15 police teams
- Search states
- Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Punjab and Rajasthan
- Delhi lead
- Police earlier said face-detection technology traced Kumar to Delhi, but his exact location remains unknown.
- Motive
- Not established; police say significant cash or valuables do not appear to have been taken.