A man in Dhamtari, Chhattisgarh, sparked a 12-day search operation after his clothes and slippers were found near the Gangrel Dam, suggesting he had drowned. The investigation culminated in a surprising twist: the man was alive and well in Delhi. The elaborate scheme was motivated by crushing debt.
The incident began when Hemant Chandravanshi from Kawardha, along with friends, visited Dhamtari on May 24. They spent the night near the Gangrel Dam. The next day, after sending his friends to a shop, Chandravanshi disappeared, leaving behind his belongings.
His friends immediately reported his disappearance to the Rudri police. Police launched an extensive search, including the use of divers to scour the dam, based on the initial belief that he had drowned. However, after days of fruitless searching, the police began to suspect foul play.
Questioning his family led to the discovery of a second mobile number. Tracking this number revealed Chandravanshi’s location in Delhi. Police apprehended him after 12 days and returned him to Dhamtari.
According to ASP Manishankar Chandra, Chandravanshi was deeply in debt, leading him to stage his own death and flee. He left his belongings at the dam and escaped through the surrounding jungle. The police will now pursue legal action against him for his actions.