In a dramatic case of mistaken identity, a Noida-based journalist, Rahul Shah, was briefly detained by a team from Delhi Police, who were searching for a criminal suspect with the same name and a similar appearance. The incident occurred at a petrol pump in Sector 38, Noida, while Shah was sitting in his car with his wife.

Police Traced Wrong Rahul Using Mobile Location

According to Shahdara DCP Prashant Gautam, Delhi Police was tracking a suspect named Rahul, a resident of Bahadurgarh, Haryana, using his mobile location. The signal led the police team to Noida, where they spotted Rahul Shah and believed him to be the accused.

The team immediately approached the car and detained Shah, believing they had found the right man.

Dispute Over Identity Proof Escalated the Confusion

When asked to present his ID card, Shah allegedly refused at first and engaged in a verbal argument, adding to the suspicion. It was only after he identified himself as a journalist from Noida that the officers realized they had made a mistake.

“The name and face of the individual matched that of the accused, which caused the confusion. However, no force or misconduct was involved,” clarified DCP Prashant Gautam.

Police Apologized, Journalist Released Immediately

Once the error was recognized, the police apologized to Rahul Shah and released him. They returned to the station without pressing any charges.

Background of the Case

The police team, which included a sub-inspector, head constable, and constable from Prem Nagar Police Station in Outer Delhi, was investigating a case registered under IPC Section 318(4) (Security Fraud) and Section 61(2) (Criminal Conspiracy).