It was a trying cinematic experience for 49-year-old Shamal Rao, resident of Gangavati in Koppal district. The director of animation films and an animator himself, Mr. Rao was picked up by the Himachal Pradesh police, who suspected him to be involved in a double murder.
This confusion in identity arose as both the main accused and Mr. Rao shared the same name, were both Telugu speakers, among other similarities.
Shamal Rao, son of Naidu was conivcted for double murder of his hotel owner Mr. Sood and his wife at Sadar in Shimla district, and was awarded capital punishment by the court in May 2004. Shamal Rao, who was lodged in central jail, managed to escape in August 2004 and is still at large. Apart from issuing a red corner notice, the Himachal Pradesh police also announced Rs. 1 lakh award to those who helped them nab him.
Meanwhile, Himachal Pradesh Police, while browsing Facebook, chanced upon Mr. Shamal Rao of Gangavati, who resembled the escaped convict. On March 6, a team from Shimla, with help from local police, came to Mr. Rao's house in Vidyanagar in Gangavati hoping to bring the criminal to book.
“After preliminary inquiries were over, I made it clear to the police that I am not the person whom they were looking for. The same day, they took me to the Finger Prints Bureau in Koppal and verified my finger prints which did not match," Mr. Rao told The Hindu while narrating his ordeal.
“However, as a formality, they wanted me to go with them to Shimla for further verification and I agreed. They flew me to Shimla and began making inquiries. Later, I volunteered to undergo all medical tests, including DNA which were carried out and the experts opined that I was not the criminal they were looking for. After that a couple of police personnel personally excorted me up to Gangavati and handed over me to my family in the presence of local police on March 11,” he added.
Stating that he was confident of being cleared of all charges, Mr. Rao said that the Himachal Pradesh police treated him courteously during his 10-day ordeal and were fair in the investigation as well.
