The assassination of NCP leader Baba Siddique last month sent shockwaves through Maharashtra's political landscape. While two suspects were swiftly apprehended, the main shooter, Shiv Kumar Gautam alias Shiva, vanished into thin air. What followed was a relentless 25-day manhunt led by four dedicated Mumbai police officers who ventured deep into the heart of Uttar Pradesh, facing communal tensions and a cunning fugitive determined to evade justice.
This is the inside story of their unwavering pursuit, a testament to their dedication and investigative prowess. We'll uncover the challenges they faced, the strategies they employed, and the dramatic climax that led to Shiva's capture.
The hunt begins:
Immediately after Shiva opened fire on Baba Siddique amidst the chaos of a Durga Puja procession, a team of four Mumbai police officers was tasked with tracking him down:
- Assistant Inspector Amol Mali
- Sub Inspector Swapnil Kale
- Constables Vikas Chavan and Mangesh Sawant
Their mission: to navigate the unfamiliar terrain of Bahraich, Shiva's hometown in Uttar Pradesh, and penetrate his network of associates.
Challenges in Bahraich:
The team faced a daunting task. Shiva had gone off the grid, discarding his mobile phone and avoiding his usual haunts. Adding to the complexity, Bahraich was gripped by communal violence, leading to communication disruptions and heightened security concerns.
Unwavering determination:
Despite these obstacles, the four officers remained undeterred. They embedded themselves in the community, painstakingly piecing together Shiva's inner circle and identifying potential contacts who might lead them to their target.
Breakthrough:
After weeks of meticulous investigation, the team zeroed in on four individuals suspected of aiding Shiva: Anurag Kashyap, Gyan Prakash Tripathi, Akash Shrivastava, and Akhilendra Singh. Their suspicious movements to a nearby village on motorcycles suggested a crucial lead.
Net tightens:
Reinforcements arrived in the form of a 21-officer team from the Mumbai Crime Branch. Working together, they detained the four suspects and uncovered their role in providing Shiva with food and clothing.
Capture in the forest:
The suspects led the police to a secluded hamlet within a forest where Shiva had been hiding. Although he wasn't present, the officers patiently lay in wait for eight hours, finally apprehending him upon his return.
Triumph of perseverance:
Joint Commissioner (Crime) Lakhmi Gautam lauded the four officers for their unwavering commitment, stating, "Credit to the four police personnel who camped in UP for nearly a month even during festivals. Thanks to their dedication, we could track the accused.”
This successful operation highlights the dedication and resilience of law enforcement in the face of adversity. It's a reminder that even the most cunning criminals can't outrun justice forever.
DISCLAIMER: This brief synthesizes information from various public sources and offers the author's own insights and analysis on the subject matter.
