By Admin 
Delhi Police has created a new history in the law and justice system by taking a big step under the Indian Civil Security Code (BNSS) 2023. This is the first time in the capital that despite the accused not being present in the court, charges have been framed against him under in-absentee trial. This case is related to the murder of 68 year old Ramesh Bhardwaj living in Narela area.
This whole matter started from 28 January 2025, when Ramesh Bhardwaj went to Narela and did not return home. His daughter immediately lodged a missing report with the police. Police investigation revealed that Ramesh’s old servant Jitendra Mehto was also missing since the same day.
Soon it also came to light that Ramesh had recently sold land in Mukundpur and had about Rs 4.5 lakh with him. He was last seen with this servant Jitendra. The case was suspicious and the police intensified the investigation.
Secret revealed through CCTV, call records and digital tracking
Delhi Police resorted to technical investigation. Scrutinized CCTV footage, viewed call records and traced the location. On February 12, during the digital investigation, the police got a big success and Jitendra Mehto’s son Abhishek was caught.
Abhishek broke down during interrogation and told that his father had killed Ramesh. He revealed that the body was thrown into a drain. When the police recovered the body, it was in a very bad condition and was found packed in a sack.
Charges can also be framed against absconding accused
Earlier in the old laws, cases used to get stuck for years if the absconding accused did not turn up, but changes have been made in BNSS 2023. Now under Section 356, the court can also frame charges against those accused who are continuously absconding and avoiding court proceedings.
In this case also Jitendra Mehto was absconding for a long time. The court declared him a proclaimed offender. After this, on 18 November 2025, for the first time, Rohini Court framed charges against him under in-absentia trial in Delhi.
After this decision, it is clear that now the accused will not be able to try to hang the case by absconding. Both the court and the police have such provisions, due to which the case can proceed and justice will not be obstructed.
This step of Delhi Police is not only important in this case but is also being considered as an example for the upcoming cases. This gives a clear message. One cannot escape by running away, the law will reach out and catch you in any case.