Crime – Bollywood Actor Fugitive Arrested After Years of Hiding in Mumbai
Crime – A man convicted in a 2005 murder case was arrested by the Gujarat Crime Branch after allegedly spending more than a decade hiding in Mumbai under fake identities while working in the entertainment industry. Officials said Hemant Modi, who had escaped while on parole in 2014, managed to build a parallel life as a small-time actor in films, television serials, theatre productions, and web series before investigators tracked him down.
Fugitive Built New Identity in Film Industry
According to investigators, Modi quietly shifted to Mumbai after disappearing during a temporary parole release from prison. To avoid detection, he reportedly used different names, including Spandan Modi and Twinkle Dave, while searching for acting opportunities in the entertainment sector.
Police officials stated that over the years, he appeared in more than 40 projects across Hindi and Gujarati cinema. His acting credits reportedly included appearances in major Bollywood productions such as “Thugs of Hindostan,” featuring Amitabh Bachchan and Aamir Khan, along with “Jayeshbhai Jordaar,” starring Ranveer Singh. Authorities said he also worked in regional theatre and digital productions alongside well-known Gujarati actors Hitu Kanodia and Hiten Kumar.
Murder Case Linked to Ahmedabad Street Clash
The case against Modi dates back to 2005, when a dispute in Ahmedabad’s Naroda locality reportedly escalated into violence. Investigators said the confrontation began over the placement of a ladder on a public road but quickly turned into a serious street fight.
Police records show that Hemant Modi, his brother Sachin Modi, and several others allegedly attacked Narendra Kamble during the clash. Kamble later died from his injuries. Following the investigation and trial, all seven accused were convicted in 2008 and sentenced to life imprisonment.
Prison Life and Personal Struggles
Officials familiar with the investigation said Modi was serving his sentence in Mehsana jail before he was granted a 30-day parole in 2014. During questioning, investigators learned that he had struggled emotionally while in prison and feared spending the rest of his life behind bars.
Sources connected to the probe claimed his personal life also suffered during this period. His marriage reportedly ended in divorce after tensions increased following his imprisonment. Investigators believe this phase eventually pushed him toward planning an escape and starting over under a new identity.
Crime Branch Used Surveillance to Track Movements
Police said the breakthrough came after the Gujarat Crime Branch received information suggesting Modi had recently been making discreet visits to Ahmedabad despite remaining absconding for years.
Following the tip-off, officers reportedly began monitoring suspected communication channels and tracking his movements through technical surveillance. Investigators spent several days gathering information before setting up a watch operation near Ghee Kanta Metro Station in Ahmedabad.
Officials confirmed that Modi was finally detained there without major resistance. After his arrest, authorities began further questioning regarding how he managed to remain undetected for such a long period while actively working in the entertainment industry.
Investigation Continues After Arrest
The Crime Branch is now examining whether Modi received outside assistance while living under alternate identities in Mumbai. Investigators are also verifying documents, travel records, and financial activities connected to the names he allegedly used during his years as a fugitive.
Police officials said legal proceedings connected to his parole violation and absconding status will continue alongside his existing life sentence in the murder case. Authorities are also expected to investigate whether any forged identification documents were used during his stay in Mumbai.