In a development that has raised serious questions about inter-state policing and enforcement efficiency, a man wanted by Uttar Pradesh Police in a violent assault and vandalism case allegedly managed to get married in Maharashtra’s Satara district—even while a police team was reportedly present in the state to arrest him. The incident has triggered criticism from political leaders and renewed debate over how absconding accused continue to evade law enforcement despite being officially tracked.
The accused, Akshay Kadam, carries a cash reward of ₹25,000 on his arrest and is among those still absconding in a high-profile case involving violence, vandalism, and alleged misconduct with police personnel.
Background of the Case
The case dates back to the night of December 19 last year, when a group of five men allegedly attacked a hotel located at Nagariya Mod under Tilhar police station in Shahjahanpur district. The hotel is reportedly owned by Divakar Singh, a local BJP leader.
According to police records, the accused allegedly:
- Assaulted hotel staff
- Vandalised property at the premises
- Misbehaved with police personnel who responded to the incident
- Attempted to force a security guard into a car
The seriousness of the charges prompted the police to launch a manhunt for the accused. While two of the five accused have been arrested and sent to jail, three—including Akshay Kadam—remain at large.
Reward and Absconding Status
Akshay Kadam has been declared absconding and a ₹25,000 reward was announced for information leading to his arrest. Despite this, police say he managed to move across state borders and remained elusive for weeks.
To track him down, a special police team from Uttar Pradesh was dispatched to Satara district, following intelligence inputs suggesting Kadam was hiding there.
Wedding Amid Police Presence
What has stunned many observers is that despite the police team being present in Maharashtra, Kadam allegedly went ahead with his wedding on Thursday at a marriage lawn in Satara district.
Police sources claim that before they could execute a raid at the suspected location, the accused managed to flee. The wedding ceremony reportedly took place without any immediate intervention, raising concerns about coordination gaps and timing failures during the operation.
Adding to the controversy, a video circulating on social media allegedly shows the wedding ceremony at a banquet lawn, reportedly in Mumbai. The footage appears to include decorative cut-outs featuring photographs of the accused and his bride. However, officials have clarified that the video is still under verification and has not been independently authenticated.
Official Police Response
Reacting to the incident, Rajesh Dwivedi, Superintendent of Police in Shahjahanpur, confirmed that a police team was indeed in Maharashtra at the time.
He stated that while officers were actively tracking the accused, Kadam managed to evade arrest just before a raid could be conducted.
“Our team is in Satara. However, before the police could conduct a raid, the accused fled from the spot. We will arrest him soon,” Dwivedi said.
Police officials have reiterated that search operations are ongoing and that efforts are being intensified to apprehend Kadam and the other absconding accused.
Political Reaction and Criticism
The incident has drawn sharp criticism from BJP leader Divakar Singh, the hotel owner involved in the original case. Singh questioned the functioning of the police machinery and expressed concern over how an accused with a reward on his head could allegedly marry freely despite being under active surveillance.
According to Singh, the episode reflects serious lapses in execution and accountability, particularly in inter-state operations involving wanted criminals.
Questions on Inter-State Coordination
This case once again highlights the challenges faced by Indian law enforcement agencies in inter-state criminal tracking. While intelligence sharing and special task teams are routinely deployed, suspects often exploit logistical delays, jurisdictional complexities, and gaps in real-time coordination.
Legal experts point out that:
- Arrest warrants do not always translate into immediate detention without precise location confirmation
- Public events like weddings can be difficult to monitor without prior actionable intelligence
- Delays of even a few hours can allow suspects to escape
The fact that Kadam allegedly managed to solemnise his marriage while being actively pursued has intensified scrutiny of operational protocols.
What Happens Next?
Police officials maintain that the accused remains a priority target and that multiple teams are working to track his movements. Surveillance has reportedly been enhanced, and investigators are also examining:
- The authenticity of the viral wedding video
- Possible assistance provided to the accused
- Financial and logistical support networks helping him evade arrest
Authorities have also indicated that anyone found aiding or sheltering the accused could face legal action.
The case of a wanted Uttar Pradesh criminal allegedly marrying in Maharashtra while police were on the lookout has sparked public outrage, political criticism, and renewed debate over law enforcement efficiency. While the police insist that the accused will be arrested soon, the episode underscores the urgent need for stronger coordination, faster execution, and tighter monitoring in cases involving absconding offenders.
As investigations continue, the spotlight remains firmly on how such a high-profile evasion occurred—and whether systemic improvements will follow to prevent similar incidents in the future.