Yaksh App helps Pratapgarh Police nab ₹1 lakh reward accused after 12 years

Prayagraj: The “Yaksh App” has helped Pratapgarh police arrest a wanted accused who had been absconding for the past 12 years and carried a Rs 1 lakh reward.The app enabled police to compile updated details on criminals by verifying their credentials at their native towns and residences, speeding up investigations and helping gather information on their whereabouts.On Saturday, police arrested a hardened criminal, Bhanu Prakash Dubey alias Vicky (40) of Sangiyapur, who had been living in Surat, Gujarat, under a fake identity.SP (Pratapgarh) Deepak Bhukar told TOI that a continuous campaign is underway to verify the status of absconding criminals using the app.“Based on inputs from beat constables, police learned that Bhanu Prakash Dubey alias ‘Maharaj’ or ‘Vicky’, who had escaped from police custody 12 years ago, was hiding at Kimavati Complex in Surat under a fake name,” he said.Police then used technical resources and intelligence networks to track him. On May 30, 2026, he was arrested in a joint operation by Kotwali Nagar police and the SWAT team.The SP added Dubey was wanted in 19 criminal cases.He said after escaping in 2014, Dubey moved across states like Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. During his earlier jail term, he developed contacts with other criminals, who later helped him set up a hideout in Surat.In Surat, he secured a ration card and voter ID under the name ‘Dubey Vicky Ramvilas’ and listed his address at Kimavati Complex. He worked as a truck driver and obtained a driving licence in 2020 using a Farrukhabad address with the help of an associate.