Patna: In a remarkable display of inter-state police coordination and relentless pursuit, Patna Police have successfully cracked the high-profile murder case of gangster Chandan Mishra, arresting the main accused, Tausif alias Badshah, along with Nishu Khan, a woman, and five other accomplices from Kolkata, West Bengal. This significant breakthrough comes after a meticulous investigation that tracked the culprits over approximately 600 kilometers from the crime scene.
Chandan Kumar Mishra was fatally shot at Paras Hospital in Patna on July 17. Following the brazen daylight murder, the perpetrators immediately fled, prompting a multi-pronged investigation by Patna Police.
The Meticulous Manhunt: From Patna to Kolkata
Patna SSP Kartikeya Sharma revealed that the police employed a comprehensive strategy involving in-depth technical analysis, painstaking observation of CCTV footage, and the collection of human intelligence. This meticulous approach allowed them to piece together the escape route of the shooters.
Initial clues, including information from Tausif’s family, suggested the main accused had fled towards Kolkata via Gaya, Barhi, and Ranchi. A white SUV, captured in CCTV footage with five suspects, became a crucial lead. The STF team, along with Patna Police, swiftly flew to Kolkata, while officers back in Patna continuously monitored the mobile locations and Call Detail Records (CDRs) of the five primary shooters. This precise digital tracking was instrumental in narrowing down their whereabouts.
Joint Operation and Arrest Details
Acting on the intelligence gleaned from CDRs and other sources, the Bihar STF, in a joint operation with Kolkata Police and Kolkata STF, conducted extensive raids in Kolkata. Their search led them to two flats (numbers 206 and 406) in Sukhi Vrishti Apartment in Newtown. While some individuals initially picked up were released after interrogation, the crucial leads obtained from them directed the team to a white car in the Anandpur, Leather Complex, and Bhangar areas. Five individuals in this vehicle were apprehended, and subsequently, three more were caught through their leads, bringing the total arrests to eight.
The arrested individuals include:
- Tausif alias Badshah (Main Shooter): Reportedly has three cases registered against him under the Arms Act, NDPS, and attempt to murder.
- Nishu Khan (Cousin, Conspirator): Allegedly involved in cases of extortion and attempt to murder. The conspiracy to murder Chandan Mishra was reportedly hatched at Nishu Khan’s residence.
- Harsh alias Harish Kumar & Bhim Kumar: Both residents of Digha, they are accused of helping Tausif escape and hide.
- Sachin Singh
- Alpana Das (a woman)
- Two other unnamed individuals.
Patna SSP Sharma confirmed that the arrested individuals are being brought back to Patna from Kolkata after completing transit remand formalities.
Jail-Hatched Plot and Contract Killing
The investigation has firmly established Omkar Singh alias Sheru Singh, currently lodged in Purulia jail in West Bengal, as the mastermind behind Chandan Mishra’s murder. Police sources indicate that Sheru, from his prison cell, strategically cultivated a relationship with one of Chandan’s close associates, using this insider to meticulously track Chandan’s movements.
The plot was set in motion when Chandan sought medical treatment. His trusted associate allegedly relayed this information to Sheru, who then advised Chandan to get admitted to a hospital where the shooters could easily access him. Tausif reportedly suggested Paras Hospital on Nehru Path, an area he was familiar with. It is believed that Sheru offered a contract of Rs 10 lakh to Tausif to carry out the assassination.
High-Level Oversight and Police Action
The gravity of the case prompted Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to summon Patna SSP Kartikeya Sharma on Sunday for a detailed briefing. In response to potential negligence, one Inspector, two ASIs, and two constables in Patna have been suspended.
Furthermore, a joint team of Bihar STF and Bengal STF visited Purulia jail to interrogate Sheru Singh, obtaining vital information regarding the conspiracy. These arrests are expected to unravel more connections within the criminal network responsible for this brazen act.
