In a remarkable breakthrough showcasing the power of modern technology, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested Mani M. Sekhar, a long-absconding accused in an ₹8 crore bank fraud case, nearly two decades after the crime.
The case, registered in 2006, involved fraudulent misuse of non-fund-based limits from the State Bank of India, Bengaluru, by Indo Marks Pvt. Ltd. and its sister concerns. The accused &ndash; Mani M. Sekhar and her husband R.M. Sekhar &ndash; were declared Proclaimed Offenders in 2009 after evading trial.
Despite extensive efforts and a reward announcement, both accused remained untraceable&mdash;until now.
CBI cracked the case using advanced image search and comparison tools. With over 90% photo match accuracy, they identified the duo living under false names in Indore. The accused had changed all identifiable information&mdash;names, mobile numbers, PANs, and emails.
It was later discovered that R.M. Sekhar had died in 2008 under his new identity. On July 12, 2025, Mani M. Sekhar was arrested and presented before a Bengaluru court, which remanded her to judicial custody.
This tech-enabled arrest marks a landmark moment for Indian law enforcement, underlining how cutting-edge digital tools combined with field intelligence can track down even the most elusive criminals.

CBI uses AI-powered image search tools to arrest a woman in a ₹8 crore bank fraud case

CBI Nabs Fraud Accused After 20 Years via Tech

CBI uses AI-powered image search tools to arrest a woman in a ₹8 crore bank fraud case

July 17, 2025 | 16:54 IST