Kota Police Arrest Bike Thief, But Fraud Kingpin Remains at Large

Kota police swiftly recovered a stolen bike from outside Energy Minister Hiralal Nagar’s office, raising questions about law enforcement priorities. While the bike thief was apprehended within 24 hours, a far more dangerous fugitive—accused of defrauding 8,000 people of ₹2 crore—remains on the run.

Bike Theft at Minister’s Office

Two days ago, Prakash Bariya, an employee working at the Energy Minister’s Indravihaar office, parked his bike nearby, which was stolen shortly afterward. Acting quickly on his complaint, Jawaharnagar police registered the case and arrested Dinesh Singh, recovering the stolen vehicle within 24 hours.

Despite this rapid action, official data shows 410 vehicles were reported stolen in Kota up to September this year, highlighting broader challenges in combating theft.

Fugitive Defrauder Kumar Shanu

The fugitive, Deepak Singh alias Kumar Shanu, originally from Khagariya, Bihar, has been absconding since 15 November. He defrauded thousands by promising jobs and preparing “brain scripts” under his company Oasis Enterprises, claiming to assist visually impaired individuals. Victims handed over money collectively amounting to ₹2 crore, but Shanu vanished before authorities could apprehend him.

Shanu reportedly operated with minimal contact, using a single mobile number and hiring a taxi for commuting. His last known location was Delhi, after fleeing Kota. Police report that his mobile remains switched off, and he is not in contact with his family.

Police Efforts and SIT Formation

Hundreds of victims have approached Anantpura police, prompting investigation into Shanu’s past crimes in Saharanpur (UP), Bikaner (Rajasthan), Durg (Chhattisgarh), and Indore (Madhya Pradesh), where he has previously been involved in fraud cases. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by DSP Manish Sharma under the supervision of SP Tejasvini Gautam is actively tracking him, but Shanu remains elusive.

The case raises concerns about white-collar crimes targeting thousands, and the police have urged anyone with information about Shanu’s whereabouts to come forward immediately.