Ghaziabad: In a major breakthrough, the Crime Branch of Ghaziabad Police has successfully arrested Yusuf Saifi, a fugitive wanted in a 2008 kidnapping case. Yusuf, who had been evading arrest for 16 years, was apprehended in the Masuri region. His arrest carries a reward of ₹50,000, which had been announced by the Additional Police Commissioner (Crime/Headquarters) earlier this year.
The case dates back to 20 April 2008, when Kedar Nath, a resident of Dasna, lodged a complaint at Masuri Police Station, alleging that Yusuf had lured and abducted his 16-year-old daughter. Police promptly registered the case and arrested several co-accused, including Salimuddin, Karimuddin, Ayub, Ajju alias Ayaz, and Arif Taslim. However, Yusuf managed to escape along with the victim, leading to his declaration as a fugitive and the seizure of his properties.
After years of intensive search, the Crime Branch, in collaboration with Masuri Police, arrested Yusuf on 14 December 2024. The victim, now Yusuf’s wife, and their three children were also found.
During interrogation, Yusuf revealed that he was a mathematics tutor in 2008 and used to teach Kedar Nath’s sons. During his visits, he grew close to Kedar Nath’s daughter and convinced her to elope with him on 19 April 2008. The two got married and moved to Nuh, Haryana, where they initially worked as laborers. Later, Yusuf found employment as a teacher in a private school while also tutoring students at home.
For 16 years, the couple lived in anonymity, severing all ties with their families. Yusuf stated that their modest life revolved around raising their three children and staying under the radar.
Yusuf faces charges under IPC Sections 363 (kidnapping), 366 (abduction for marriage), and 368 (wrongful confinement). The original case, registered as FIR No. 242/2008, was pending against him in Ghaziabad.
The Ghaziabad Police Commissionerate has lauded the efforts of the Crime Branch and Masuri Police teams for apprehending Yusuf after such a prolonged search. The case highlights the persistence of law enforcement in ensuring justice, even after years of evasion by the accused.
