Bhadreshkumar Chetanbhai Patel, an Indian national originally from Gujarat, has been on the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list for several years. The US law enforcement agency has announced a reward of up to $250,000 (approximately ₹9.2 crore) for information that could help locate and arrest him.
Patel is wanted in connection with the 2015 killing of his wife in the United States. Authorities say he fled shortly after the incident and has remained a fugitive since then. The FBI continues to seek information about his whereabouts and has urged the public to come forward with any leads.
Background and Early Life
According to official information released by the FBI, Patel was born on May 15, 1990, in Viramgam in Gujarat, India.
He later travelled to the United States with his wife, Palak Patel. The couple had been working together at a donut shop in Hanover, Maryland, owned by one of Patel’s relatives.
Investigators say the couple had recently moved to the US and were employed on the night shift at the shop when the alleged crime took place.
Allegations in the 2015 Murder Case
US authorities allege that the incident occurred on April 12, 2015, while both Patel and his wife were working at the donut shop. According to investigators, the couple went toward the back area of the store shortly before midnight.
The FBI alleges that Patel attacked his wife with a weapon, leading to her death. A customer later entered the shop and alerted authorities after noticing that no staff were present at the counter. Police subsequently discovered the victim inside the store.
Following the incident, Patel is believed to have fled through a rear exit of the shop, after which he disappeared.
Criminal Charges Filed in the United States
Authorities in the US state of Maryland issued a local arrest warrant on April 13, 2015, a day after the killing.
Patel has been charged with multiple offences, including:
- First-degree murder
- Second-degree murder
- First-degree assault
- Second-degree assault
- Use of a dangerous weapon with intent to injure
In addition, a federal arrest warrant was later issued charging him with unlawful flight to avoid prosecution.
The FBI has described Patel as “armed and extremely dangerous” in its public notice seeking assistance from the public.
Added to FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives List
In April 2017, the FBI officially added Patel to its Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list, a designation reserved for individuals considered among the most difficult or urgent fugitives to capture.
The list has historically been used by the agency to draw international attention to fugitives and encourage tips from the public that could help law enforcement locate them.
The FBI later increased the reward for information leading to Patel’s arrest to up to $250,000.
Possible Locations and Ongoing Investigation
Authorities believe Patel may have travelled through Newark, New Jersey, shortly after the incident. Investigators have previously indicated that he might still be in the United States or may have travelled to another country.
The FBI has stated that it continues to work with other law enforcement agencies and encourages anyone with information about Patel’s location to contact the agency or the nearest US embassy or consulate.
Appeal for Public Information
The case has remained unresolved for nearly a decade, with Patel continuing to appear on the FBI’s most wanted list. Authorities say tips from the public remain a key part of the search effort.
The FBI has asked anyone with information about Patel’s whereabouts to contact its tip line or submit information online through its official channels.
As the investigation continues, law enforcement agencies in the United States say they remain committed to locating the fugitive and pursuing the charges filed against him.
