On October 8, Yogi Gurjar, accompanied by about a dozen armed men, stormed into Gurja village in Gwalior’s Tighra area and abducted his pregnant lover, Anju Gurjar, from her in-laws’ home. Witnesses said the gang fired multiple rounds, thrashed whoever resisted, and escaped into the Lanka Pahadi forests, reviving memories of Chambal’s infamous dacoit era.
“It felt like a movie scene — only, it was real,” one villager recounted.
Police reactivate Anti-Dacoit Squad
In response, Madhya Pradesh Police has reactivated its Anti-Dacoit Squad — a specialized jungle combat unit that hadn’t been deployed for years. Led by ASP Anu Beniwal and SP Vinita Dagar, the squad is conducting intensive search operations across Gwalior, Morena, and Dholpur, equipped with modern weapons, night-vision tools, and advanced communication gear.
Despite 22 days of relentless pursuit, Yogi continues to elude capture, shifting hideouts across state borders and continuing to threaten both his lover’s families.
Girlfriend rescued, gives birth days later
Within 24 hours of the abduction, police located Anju Gurjar in the forests near Lanka Pahadi. She was exhausted but alive — and gave birth to a child three days later, on October 11. Both mother and infant are now under police protection.
Two gang members arrested
Authorities have arrested two of Yogi’s associates:
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Tahsila Gurjar, carrying a ₹20,000 bounty, arrested in Dholpur by Rajasthan Police.
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Anke Gurjar, nabbed in Morena while attempting to threaten Anju’s in-laws.
Police believe their interrogation could lead to Yogi’s whereabouts, though the gang still has around 16 armed members equipped with rifles and pistols.
Fear returns to Chambal
The resurgence of armed activity has reignited fear in the Chambal region — once considered dacoit-free. Local residents say gunfire has returned after years of peace. “People are scared to step out after dark,” said a farmer from Morena.
Love turned to crime
Originally from Tiloda village (Morena), Yogi was part of the Guddha Gurjar gang before forming his own outfit. His violent turn came after falling in love with Anju, a B.Ed student from Sesai Pura (Sheopur). When her family opposed their relationship due to his criminal record, they married her off to another man, Girraj Gurjar, in February 2024 under police protection — a move that enraged Yogi.
Continuing threats and manhunt
Even after the abduction, Yogi continued threatening both Anju’s in-laws and her parents. Despite tight police security, he reportedly slipped into Gwalior and later targeted her family in Sheopur, prompting them to seek additional protection from the SP.
Police vow to end the menace
ASP Anu Beniwal stated that operations are being conducted round the clock:
“We are scanning every possible hideout and tracking anyone providing him shelter. This operation will not stop until Yogi is caught.”
Senior officers say the joint operation with Rajasthan Police has mapped every route along the MP-Rajasthan border, cutting off possible escape paths.
“This is not the Chambal of the 1970s,” a senior police officer remarked. “We will not let another dacoit legend rise again.''
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