Put me in prison, but I won’t return home’: Bengaluru techie runs from alleged domestic abuse
Put me in prison, but I won’t return home’: Bengaluru techie runs from alleged domestic abuse
The mystery surrounding the disappearance of Vipin Gupta, a 37-year-old tech professional from Bengaluru, concluded this week when he was located at a mall in Noida. Gupta had been missing since August 4, prompting his wife to file a missing person report at the Kodigehalli Police Station in Bengaluru.
Gupta’s case gained significant attention after he activated a new SIM card in Noida, which enabled the police to track his location. Despite initial challenges—including scouring countless CCTV feeds from bus stands, railway stations, and the airport—the police were able to pinpoint his whereabouts once he used the new SIM card. The Times of India reported that Gupta was located as he was leaving the mall.
The techie’s sudden reappearance followed a series of evasive maneuvers. To avoid detection after his wife had shared his photos and videos online, Gupta had altered his appearance, including shaving his head. He had traveled to multiple cities including Tirupati, Bhubaneswar, and Delhi before ending up in Noida.
Upon encountering the techie, officers approached him outside the mall. According to a senior police officer, “When three of us surrounded him, he realized we were cops in civil clothes. He smiled and asked what next? We told him we should fly back to the city, and he strongly objected.”
Despite initial resistance, Gupta was persuaded to return to Bengaluru. He repeatedly told the officers, “You put me in prison, I will live there…but I won’t return,” expressing his reluctance to come back. Ultimately, he agreed to accompany the police primarily to resolve the missing person report filed by his wife.
Back in Bengaluru, Gupta provided a statement at Kempegowda International Airport before being allowed to return home. During questioning, he revealed ongoing domestic issues. He described his wife’s behavior as excessively controlling and restrictive, citing instances of criticism over trivial matters and limitations on his personal freedom. “She curtails my freedom, she shouts even if a drop of rice or a piece of chapati falls off my plate. I should dress according to her, I cannot go out alone to enjoy tea”, he said.
Gupta, who had been reported missing after leaving to visit an ATM, had sparked concerns of potential kidnapping. His wife’s public plea for help and the police’s extensive search efforts concluded with his discovery in Noida, wrapping up a tense and complex case.
