In a surprising turn of events, a 65-year-old man was arrested in Madhya Pradesh for allegedly stealing wheat worth ₹100 approximately 45 years ago. The incident dates back to 1980 when Salim, then 20 years old, and six others, reportedly stole wheat from fields in the Balsamund Kakad area.

The Sub-Divisional Officer of Police (Mandleshwar), Shweta Shukla, told PTI that a quintal (100 kg) of good quality wheat cost ₹115 at the time, which translates to ₹1.15 per kilogram. Salim, a resident of Balkhad village under Balakwada police station limits, absconded after the theft. He then started a new life, running a grocery shop with his son in Bag town, located in the neighboring Dhar district.

The case, however, remained active in the courts, and a warrant was issued against Salim. According to police, Salim was traced to his grocery shop in Bag with the help of a cyber cell, which was initially assisting in the search for another accused. He was apprehended on Saturday.

Khaltaka outpost in-charge, Mithun Chauhan, stated that during interrogation, Salim confessed that he believed the case had been forgotten after so many years and that he was safe from legal repercussions. Salim, son of Mujahid, was presented in court and subsequently remanded to judicial custody.

The arrest highlights the enduring nature of the law and its ability to catch up with offenders, regardless of the time elapsed. It also serves as a reminder that pending cases remain active until they are resolved, and warrants do not expire. The incident has sparked considerable interest, given the relatively small value of the stolen goods and the long period that had passed since the crime was committed.