Wedding Invitation on Social Media Proves Costly for Fugitive Suspect
In a dramatic turn of events, a wedding invitation shared with considerable fanfare on social media platforms led directly to the arrest of Akshay Kadam, a 28-year-old key suspect wanted in connection with a violent attack on Divakar Singh, the BJP's Shahjahanpur district president. The suspect, who had been evading capture for over a month with a Rs 25,000 reward on his head, was apprehended by police moments after his wedding ceremony concluded in Mumbai.
Police Trace Location Through Digital Footprint
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Rajesh Dwivedi provided detailed insights into the case, explaining that on December 19, Divakar Singh was present at a restaurant near Nagariya Mor in Tilhar when a dispute erupted over unmet demands. According to police reports, Akshay Kadam, along with accomplices Yogesh Kadam, Rishabh Tiwari, and Ayush Himanshu, allegedly attacked Singh, vandalized the restaurant property, and assaulted his personal security officer.
While the other suspects were promptly arrested, Akshay Kadam successfully disappeared, prompting an extensive manhunt across multiple states. Police teams maintained constant vigilance, but Kadam's precise whereabouts remained elusive until a crucial digital breakthrough occurred on February 4.
The Social Media Slip-Up
The investigation took a decisive turn when Kadam's wedding invitation and accompanying videos of the marriage venue began circulating publicly on various social media platforms. The digital invitation clearly specified the wedding date as February 5 and provided sufficient contextual information for police to identify the location.
"Since Kadam is originally from Maharashtra, we had suspected he might have fled to that state, though his exact location remained unknown," SSP Dwivedi stated. "The wedding invitation that surfaced online gave us the concrete lead we needed."
Acting swiftly on this intelligence, a specialized police team from Uttar Pradesh's Tilhar district immediately departed for Maharashtra. They coordinated with local authorities and arrived at the wedding venue precisely as planned.
Arrest at the Celebration
The police operation culminated with officers discreetly entering the wedding venue and waiting until the ceremonial proceedings had concluded. Moments after the wedding rituals finished, officers moved in and apprehended Kadam directly from the celebration site, ensuring minimal disruption while securing their target.
Kadam has since been transported back to Shahjahanpur, where he faces serious legal consequences. Police records indicate that five separate FIRs have been registered against him under stringent sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including charges of attempt to commit culpable homicide, assault, criminal intimidation, and vandalism.
Broader Implications of Digital Evidence
This case highlights the increasing significance of digital footprints in modern criminal investigations. What began as a seemingly innocuous social media post celebrating a personal milestone ultimately provided law enforcement with the critical information needed to locate and apprehend a fugitive suspect.
The incident serves as a stark reminder that even during celebratory occasions, individuals with pending legal matters cannot escape the long arm of the law, especially when they leave digital trails that investigators can follow. The successful operation demonstrates how traditional police work combined with digital intelligence gathering can produce remarkable results in apprehending elusive suspects.
