Archive · 4 Oct 2026
Bhopal Manhunt Continues for Caretaker Suspected in Retired IAS Murder
Rakesh Agrawal, a retired government officer, was found killed at his home in Bhopal.
Police suspect his caretaker, Varun Kumar, who reportedly began working for him three days earlier.
Kumar is still missing, so police are searching for him.
Reports give different details about how many teams are searching and which four states they are covering.
Investigators have checked footage from more than 500 cameras.
They also recovered Agrawal’s phone, which Kumar allegedly sold to someone in Agra.
Police have offered a Rs 30,000 reward for information that helps them arrest Kumar.
They are also looking into whether money dealings may be connected to the crime.
The motive and Kumar’s current whereabouts have not been established.
Retired IAS officer Rakesh Agrawal was found with his throat slit at his Ratibad home in Bhopal on Wednesday morning.
Police suspect caretaker Varun Kumar, 33, who was reportedly hired three days before the killing and has not been traced.
Reports describe searches by 15 teams across Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi and Punjab, and by 12 teams with more than 150 personnel across Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Maharashtra.
Investigators have examined footage from more than 500 CCTV cameras and recovered Agrawal’s stolen phone, which Kumar allegedly sold to an acquaintance in Agra.
Police announced a Rs 30,000 reward for information leading to Kumar’s arrest and are examining possible financial links to the killing.
- Who
- Retired IAS officer Rakesh Agrawal was killed; police suspect his caretaker, Varun Kumar.
- What
- Police are investigating Agrawal’s murder and searching for Kumar.
- When
- Agrawal was found on a Wednesday morning; the reward was announced on Sunday, four days later, according to reports.
- Where
- Agrawal’s home in Ratibad, Bhopal; reported search locations differ between accounts.
- Why
- The motive has not been established; police are examining possible financial links.
One search account
Another search account
Teams and states covered
One search account
One report describes 15 teams searching Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi and Punjab.
Another search account
Another describes 12 specialised teams and more than 150 personnel searching Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Maharashtra.
- Victim
- Rakesh Agrawal, a 70-year-old retired IAS officer
- Suspect
- Caretaker Varun Kumar, 33, reportedly hired three days before the crime
- Crime scene
- Agrawal’s residence in Ratibad, Bhopal
- Reward
- Rs 30,000 for information leading to Kumar’s arrest
- Search effort
- Reports cite 15 teams, or 12 specialised teams with more than 150 personnel
- Search locations
- One account lists Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi and Punjab; another lists Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Maharashtra
- Investigation leads
- More than 500 CCTV cameras were examined; Agrawal’s phone was recovered in Agra
