10 months on, cops lay hands on gangster at 'Pushpa 2' screening

Notorious gangster Vishal Meshram, wanted for two murders and drug peddling, was dramatically apprehended during a midnight screening of 'Pushpa 2' in Nagpur. Police, after a 10-month pursuit, tracked him to the cinema, deflated his vehicle's tire, and strategically captured him during the film's climax.

NAGPUR: An audience glued to 'Pushpa 2' in the night show of a city multiplex was stunned when a khaki contingent stormed the hall minutes after Thursday midnight and pinned down an individual, before being whisked away. A thriller on screen and action on the floor left the hall in shock till cops told them to resume cheering Allu's signature beard-brushing style. After all, they had nabbed their prized catch - elusive gangster-turned-MD peddler, Vishal Meshram, after a 10-month relentless pursuit.

Meshram, with 27 offences against him, including two murders, was also wanted in a case of MD drugs peddling. A notorious gangster, known to assault cops, he was booked twice under MCOCA. Sources said he followed Allu's style and fancied rising to the protagonist's stature.

Police got a whiff of Meshram's fancy for 'Pushpa 2' and planned to nab him from the cinema hall. Cops managed to collect the registration plate of Meshram's vehicle - a Thar. The final drama unfurled at the cinema hall.

First, police officers deflated his vehicle's tyre. Teams then fanned out at different locations inside the hall. They sneaked inside post-midnight when the film was in the climax, and Meshram was glued to it.

"Two cops grabbed him from behind while others pounced upon him from the sides and lifted him from his seat, giving no chance to fight back," added a policeman. Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India . Don't miss daily games like Crossword , Sudoku , and Mini Crossword .

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