Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh: In a startling incident that unfolded on a seemingly ordinary Tuesday morning in the district of Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, three prisoners managed to escape from a police van while their custodians indulged in an unexpected tea break. The audacious escape, captured on camera, has left the police force red-faced and scrambling to bring the fugitives back into custody. The incident has resulted in the suspension of eight police officials, sparking outrage and demanding a comprehensive investigation into the embarrassing lapse in security.
The escape occurred as the trio of undertrials was being transported to the Jhansi Railway Magistrate Court in relation to an ongoing legal case. While en route to the court, the unexpected happened – the police escort decided to take an impromptu tea and snacks break, leaving the prisoners unattended in the vehicle. The scene resembled a comedy movie plot, but it was a stark reality that unfolded before the public’s eyes.
The escape, now widely circulated through a viral video, shows the prisoners taking advantage of the situation. The blue police van was parked by the roadside, with no officers in sight to prevent the audacious flee.
Upon learning of this shocking incident, the Uttar Pradesh Police initiated a swift response, conducting a preliminary inquiry into the incident. The inquiry led to the suspension of eight police officials found guilty of dereliction of duty. Those suspended include Sub-inspectors Suresh Singh Yadav, Rajendra Anuragi, and Pankaj Singh, along with head constables Shivpal, Sunil Kumar, Sandeep Kumar, Jitendra Kumar, and constable Anil Kumar.
The escaped inmates, identified as Brijendra Kumar, Gaya Prasad, and Shailendra, are now the subjects of a widespread manhunt launched by the Government Railway Police (GRP) and the Jhansi Police. Multiple teams, including assistance from the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit, have been deployed to track down and apprehend the fugitives.
Jhansi Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) issued a statement assuring the public that the three escapees would be arrested soon, as extensive efforts are being made to locate and apprehend them. The SSP expressed determination in bringing the fugitives to justice.
The incident has raised questions about the security protocols and the competence of law enforcement officials entrusted with the responsibility of transporting prisoners. The lapse in security not only allowed the prisoners to escape but also exposed the vulnerabilities in the system, leading to public concerns about the safety of the community.
In response to the incident, a case has been registered against the three sub-inspectors, five constables, and the three absconding inmates. The charges filed against the escapees are under sections 223 and 224 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), which pertain to the escape or rescue of prisoners in custody.
Local residents and citizens across the state have expressed their outrage and concern over the incident, demanding accountability and stricter adherence to security protocols during the transportation of prisoners. The incident has also sparked a debate on the need for reforms and additional safeguards within the criminal justice system to prevent such embarrassing lapses in the future.
As the search for the escaped prisoners continues, the authorities in Jhansi are under immense pressure to apprehend the fugitives swiftly and ensure that such a security breach never occurs again. The incident has not only exposed the vulnerability of the criminal justice system but also highlighted the need for immediate and comprehensive reforms to prevent similar incidents in the future. The citizens of Jhansi and the entire state of Uttar Pradesh await further developments in this ongoing investigation, hoping for a swift resolution and the return of law and order in the district.
