Yogesh Panchal’s life story is a powerful reminder of the resilience, passion, and dedication required to achieve one’s dreams. Born and raised in Delhi, Yogesh took a non-traditional path that led him from studying in Auckland, New Zealand, to becoming a Sub-Inspector with the prestigious Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in India.
After completing his MBA in Auckland, Yogesh returned to India in 2009, motivated by a deep desire to contribute to society. For two years, he dedicated himself to teaching, sharing his knowledge with young students and shaping their futures. However, a suggestion from a friend to take the SSC CGL exam sparked a turning point in his life. Among the many government posts available through the exam, the role of a CBI Sub-Inspector stood out to Yogesh as a noble and exciting pursuit.
Determined to succeed, he temporarily stepped away from teaching and dedicated himself to six months of intensive study. The journey was far from easy—Yogesh faced numerous challenges, including self-doubt and a lack of proper guidance during his preparation. Information was not as readily available back then, even with the advent of the internet, making the process even more difficult. But Yogesh’s perseverance never wavered. His strong belief in hard work, faith in God, and support from his family gave him the strength to push forward.
In March 2012, Yogesh’s hard work paid off when he was selected for the highly coveted position of Sub-Inspector in the CBI. This achievement was not only a personal triumph but also a testament to his unwavering dedication to his goals. It reinforced his belief that persistence, even in the face of adversity, ultimately leads to success.
Throughout his service, Yogesh handled numerous high-profile cases with remarkable professionalism. One such case involved the arrest of Chalapathi Rao, a fugitive who had evaded the CBI for over 22 years after allegedly defrauding an SBI branch in Hyderabad. Rao lived under various identities across five states, working as a loan recovery agent, school staff member, and even adopting the guise of a religious Baba to avoid detection. Rao’s elaborate efforts to stay off the radar included attempting to have his wife declared dead through a false missing person report. However, Yogesh and his team tracked him down in Narasinganallur village, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, just as he was preparing to flee to Sri Lanka by sea. The successful capture marked another significant achievement in Yogesh’s career.
Yogesh credits his family’s unwavering support and his faith in God as his key pillars of strength throughout his journey. He believes that everyone should set clear goals and work honestly toward achieving them, trusting that with determination and divine support, success will follow.
His message to today’s youth is both insightful and motivating: “Embrace your curiosity, pursue your passions, and stay resilient. Never forget to grow each day—small progress adds up exponentially.”
Yogesh Panchal’s inspiring journey from teaching to becoming a Sub-Inspector in the CBI is a testament to the power of determination, hard work, and faith. His life reminds us that no matter how challenging the path may be, staying true to one’s goals and values will ultimately lead to success.