A seemingly innocent wedding invitation has led to the capture of a fugitive who evaded authorities for 13 years. Sandeep Mishra, a history-sheeter with a ₹1 lakh reward on his head, was apprehended in Banda, Uttar Pradesh, after police intercepted a phone call about his son's upcoming wedding.
Mishra's saga began on August 8, 2012, while being transported from Banda jail to court with 12 other inmates. During the transit, Mishra allegedly threw chili powder at the escorting officers and seized a rifle, triggering a chaotic escape in which all 13 accused fled. While the other 12 were rearrested by 2015, Mishra remained at large.
A special police team dedicated to tracking down elusive criminals focused on Mishra, who had been living in Pune under the assumed identity of Pappu Tiwari. According to SP Palash Bansal, the team employed various methods, including informers, surveillance, and decoys, to monitor suspected criminals. For six months, Mishra was under close watch.
The crucial breakthrough came when police intercepted a phone call made by Mishra's wife, Shyama, who had also changed her name to Pooja Tiwari, to her parents, inviting them to their son's wedding in Banda. This call raised suspicions during surveillance, prompting authorities to verify family details and movements, confirming the connection to Mishra.
Police sources revealed that Mishra meticulously avoided detection by frequently changing locations and minimizing contact with relatives, working in factories and refraining from visiting Banda. However, his son's wedding proved to be his undoing, as police were able to pinpoint his location based on his family's preparations for the event. After months of discreet tracking and verification, police finally closed in on Mishra as he prepared to attend the wedding in Banda.
This case highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement in apprehending long-term fugitives and the role of persistent investigation and surveillance in bringing them to justice. It also underscores how seemingly innocuous events, such as a wedding invitation, can inadvertently lead to the capture of those who believe they have successfully disappeared.
