Lucknow: In a shocking case of administrative negligence and mistaken identity, a serving Uttar Pradesh Police constable spent 166 days behind bars in Rajasthan. His only crime? Sharing the same name as a fraud accused who died 28 years ago.
The ordeal for Akhilesh Tripathi, a constable posted in Lucknow, began on February 15, 2026. While walking with his two sons in the Gomti Nagar area, he was abruptly apprehended by Rajasthan Police personnel in an SUV and whisked away.
It was later revealed that the Sawai Madhopur Police from Rajasthan had a permanent arrest warrant in a 1998 fraud case registered at the Gangapur City Sadar police station. The warrant was issued against an individual named Akhilesh Tripathi, originally from Deoria, who resided in Lucknow’s Aliganj area.
However, official records indicate that the actual accused in the 1998 case passed away on September 17, 1998. Disregarding this crucial fact, and relying solely on the similarity of names, the Rajasthan Police tracked down the innocent constable through technical surveillance and arrested him.
Despite Tripathi’s repeated pleas that he had no connection to the case and pointing out glaring discrepancies—such as his father’s name differing from the one listed on the warrant—the police proceeded with the arrest. He was sent to jail the following day. It took 166 agonizing days and a prolonged legal battle before he was finally released on August 1 on the orders of a magistrate court.
The matter ultimately reached the Jaipur bench of the Rajasthan High Court, which raised serious questions about the police action. Recognizing the lack of connection between the warrant and the arrested constable, the court reprimanded the authorities for failing to verify basic identification details. Following the court’s intervention, Sawai Madhopur Superintendent of Police Jyestha Maitreyi appeared before the bench, acknowledged the grave error, and tendered a formal apology.
Although Tripathi is now out of jail, his struggles continue. Upon returning to Lucknow to resume his duties, the constable has been reportedly running from pillar to post. Despite presenting court orders and legal documents proving his innocence, he has not yet been permitted to rejoin the force, leaving his career and livelihood hanging in the balance.