Son hid in jungle temple after shooting father:Survived on salt-baati, fractured legs while escaping police

A 35-year-old man accused of killing his father in Barwani district was arrested after hiding in dense forests for 35 days and surviving on simple meals of salt and baked bread. The accused, identified as Chandan Barole, allegedly shot dead his 58-year-old father Jagan Barole on April 19, 2026, in Pichodi village. After the murder, he reportedly hid inside a forest area nearly 10 kilometres away from the crime scene. According to police, Chandan had prepared the hideout in advance and had stocked food and other essentials there before committing the crime. Accused hid inside jungle temple Police said the accused remained hidden near a temple in the Amlali forest area and only came out during darkness to arrange food and water. On Monday, Barwani Police received information from an informer that the accused was hiding near the temple. Acting on the tip-off, teams from Kotwali police station surrounded the area. As police personnel moved closer, Chandan was spotted standing on the temple roof. See these pictures Jumped from temple roof while trying to escape On seeing the police, the accused allegedly attempted to flee by jumping from the temple roof. The fall left both his legs fractured and he screamed in pain at the spot. Police immediately took him into custody and shifted him to a hospital, where doctors confirmed fractures in both legs. Police suspect planned escape route Investigators believe the accused had carefully planned his escape. Police said he had already arranged a hideout and stocked food supplies before the murder. Officials are now trying to determine whether local villagers or acquaintances helped him survive in the jungle for more than a month. Instagram post revealed more murder threats Police disclosed on Monday that Chandan’s mobile phone location had been traced to the forests near Bawangaja a day after the murder. Two days later, he allegedly shared an Instagram post claiming he also intended to kill his brother and sister-in-law. The revelation prompted police to intensify the manhunt. Weapon and helpers still under investigation Police are now questioning the injured accused to recover the weapon used in the murder. Investigators are also trying to identify individuals who may have helped him hide in the forests for 35 days by providing food, shelter or logistical support. Three police teams conducted search operation Separate teams from Pati police station, Silawad police station and City Kotwali were formed to trace the accused. A 20-member police team led by station in-charge Baljeet Singh Bisen carried out the operation and finally arrested Chandan on Monday evening after surrounding the forest area. Father shot at point-blank range According to the investigation, Chandan’s wife had left him and his daughter was living with her grandparents. His mother, Gauri Bai, said he earlier worked as a welder, but his life had become unstable. The family had frequent disputes over money and land. Chandan was reportedly demanding Rs 2 lakh from his father repeatedly, despite having already received money earlier. On the afternoon of April 19, another argument broke out outside the house. During the confrontation, Chandan allegedly abused his father and demanded money. Police said he then went inside the house, returned with a pistol and pressed it against his father’s temple before pulling the trigger. The bullet pierced Jagan Barole’s temple, killing him on the spot. Chandan fled toward the forests immediately after the shooting. Land dispute angle also under probe According to the family, they owned around seven acres of land — five acres in Khalghat and two acres in Pichodi village. Some of the land in Pichodi had reportedly gone under submergence due to the Sardar Sarovar Project, after which alternative land was allotted in Khalghat. Police said disputes over land and finances had existed between the father and son for a long time. Officials added that Chandan had become increasingly aggressive in recent months and was also under financial stress. Police investigating possible conspiracy Kotwali in-charge Balwant Singh Bisen said police are investigating whether the accused received outside help during his escape. Investigators are examining whether someone regularly supplied him with food and whether the escape had been planned in advance.