Elusive Criminal Caught Near Nepal Border after Months-Long Manhunt

In a breakthrough for the Delhi Crime Branch, authorities have apprehended Vishnuswaroop Shahi, the mastermind behind the shocking murder and robbery of Dr. Yogesh Chander Paul, a 63-year-old doctor who was found dead in his Delhi home in May. Shahi, a suspect notorious for his clever evasion tactics, was captured at the India-Nepal border on November 2, following a 1,600-kilometer pursuit that spanned multiple states.

In May, police responded to an emergency call reporting a possible homicide at Dr. Paul's Jangpura Extension flat. Upon arrival, they discovered the doctor’s body in the kitchen and signs of a ransacked home, pointing to a violent robbery. Early investigations revealed that the robbery had been orchestrated by a group led by Shahi, with crucial information provided by the family's domestic helper, Basanti, who was subsequently arrested with two accomplices.

Months on the Run with Multiple Identities

Since the crime, Shahi had eluded capture using an elaborate system of aliases, mobile devices, and SIM cards. Over the course of his escape, Shahi reportedly changed phones and SIMs frequently—using up to eight phones and more than 20 SIM cards—to avoid detection by authorities. He was last tracked to Suket Valley in Himachal Pradesh, but slipped away before police arrived, eventually making his way toward Nepal. Persistent surveillance led the Crime Branch to Dehradun, where they identified his last known location, boarding a bus for the Nepal border. After an exhaustive pursuit, Shahi was apprehended near Banbasa on November 2.

Detailed Robbery Planning Revealed

During interrogation, Shahi disclosed that Basanti had tipped him off about cash and jewelry in Dr. Paul’s residence. He reportedly enlisted the help of accomplices, including Bhim Jora and Jora’s wife, who helped with the planning and execution of the robbery. After scouting the home, Shahi and his associates broke in, but the heist turned violent, leading to Dr. Paul's tragic death. Following the crime, Shahi and his gang divided the stolen valuables, with Shahi allegedly receiving Rs 40,000 and 13 grams of gold before he fled.

A Criminal Background and Fake Identities

Shahi’s background reveals a history of criminal activity. Originally from Kalikot, Nepal, he has faced prior arrests in India for drug trafficking and failed to appear for his court hearings, earning the status of a proclaimed offender. He reportedly relied on various identities and fake documents to avoid detection, and police recovered multiple phones and identification papers with different names from him upon his arrest.

Authorities suspect that Shahi has been exploiting domestic workers as informants, using their access to homes to identify wealthy targets. Investigators are now probing potential links between Shahi and other unsolved crimes in the region, with more revelations expected as the inquiry deepens.

The Impact of a Relentless Pursuit

This high-stakes pursuit highlights the dedication and persistence of law enforcement in bringing dangerous criminals to justice. Dr. Paul’s case serves as a grim reminder of the risks associated with targeted home robberies, especially in urban centers. As police continue to investigate Shahi's connections, they remain committed to ensuring safety and justice for affected communities across the region.

The capture of Vishnuswaroop Shahi not only closes a chapter on a months-long manhunt but also brings a sense of closure to Dr. Paul’s family and strengthens public confidence in the reach and resolve of law enforcement.