Bareilly Cafe Case: ‘Gunda’ Rishabh Thakur on Police Radar, SOG Deployed for Arrest

Bareilly, UP: The investigation into the chaotic birthday party incident at Den Cafe, Rajendra Nagar has revealed that the main accused, Rishabh Thakur, is already a notorious criminal listed under the Gangster Act. He has previously been banned from the district, but continues to evade arrest. Following CCTV evidence confirming his involvement, the police have intensified efforts, deploying Special Operations Group (SOG) teams to apprehend him.

Six Arrested, Main Accused at Large
So far, six individuals have been arrested in connection with the cafe brawl. However, Rishabh Thakur and his accomplice Deepak Pathak remain absconding. Joint teams from Premnagar and Subhashnagar police stations are conducting raids. Authorities are also pressuring his relatives and close associates to help locate him, as he is a resident of Subhashnagar.

SSP Anurag Arya’s Statement
Bareilly SSP Anurag Arya confirmed that an FIR was registered immediately under serious charges after the incident. Witnesses present at the scene have been asked to record statements. If evidence surfaces linking the accused to other crimes, additional cases will be registered. Arya emphasized that all statements may be presented in court to strengthen the prosecution’s case.

CCTV Evidence and Past Record
SSP Arya noted that CCTV footage led to the identification of six individuals, including Rishabh Thakur. Two SOG teams are actively pursuing him. His criminal history has been verified with the District Crime Control Record Bureau. Authorities confirmed that Thakur has a prior record under the Gangster Act, and stringent action will be taken against him in this and other pending cases to prevent future offenses.

Social Media Attempts to Shift Narrative
Following police pressure, Rishabh Thakur uploaded a video on social media wearing a saffron scarf, claiming innocence and attempting to portray the incident as a religious issue. The police, however, stated that CCTV footage and other evidence clearly contradict his claims.

Public Reaction and Legal Action
The incident has sparked intense reactions on social media from various groups. Subhashnagar SHO Jitendra Singh added that Thakur was issued a district ban in August but continues to evade law enforcement. He has prior cases involving theft and attempted murder, including a jail term in July for theft. Thakur’s family currently resides in rented accommodation in Mardhinath area, complicating the posting of the district ban notice at his residence.

Next Steps
The police have pledged to maintain strict action against the accused, ensuring that his evasion ends and a strong charge sheet is filed in court for appropriate punishment. SOG teams remain on high alert to apprehend him immediately.