In a significant security breach, the Coimbatore city police have launched an intensive manhunt after a detainee under the stringent Goondas Act managed to escape from police custody on Tuesday night. The fugitive, identified as Farmaan, was being transported to Madurai when he made his daring escape, prompting immediate action from law enforcement authorities.
Special Teams Deployed for Recapture Operation
The Coimbatore city police have constituted three dedicated special teams with the sole objective of apprehending Farmaan at the earliest. According to official statements, one of these teams is being led by an inspector, while the remaining two are under the command of sub-inspectors. This strategic deployment underscores the urgency and seriousness with which the police are treating this escape incident.
Escape Details and Immediate Aftermath
The escape occurred under dramatic circumstances during a routine transit. Farmaan was part of a group being taken from Coimbatore to Madurai to be presented before the goondas advisory board. The police convoy made a brief stop near Nagamalai Pudukottai to purchase dinner. Seizing this opportunity, Farmaan requested permission to use the toilet. In a swift and unexpected move, he pushed down two accompanying policemen and fled into the night, disappearing before reinforcements could arrive.
Accountability and Departmental Action
Coimbatore City Police Commissioner N Kannan has taken a firm stance on the incident, announcing that a thorough inquiry has been initiated. Commissioner Kannan explicitly stated that departmental action would be taken against the police personnel found responsible for Farmaan's escape. This move highlights the administration's commitment to accountability and maintaining discipline within the force.
Background of the Case and Detainees
Farmaan's escape is part of a larger criminal saga involving multiple individuals from Uttar Pradesh. Farmaan is the younger brother of Asif, aged 45, who tragically died while in police custody earlier. The case originated from a series of burglaries targeting 13 houses in the Kavundampalayam housing unit.
During the investigation, police arrested Asif along with two other suspects: Kallu Arif, 60, and Irfan, 48. According to police reports, all three sustained gunshot wounds to their legs during what authorities described as an alleged escape attempt at the time of their arrest. Based on confessions obtained during interrogation, two additional individuals were apprehended: Dawood, 18, and Farmaan.
Goondas Act Detention and Legal Proceedings
All four individuals—Asif, Kallu Arif, Irfan, and Farmaan—were subsequently detained under the Goondas Act in December. This preventive detention law allows authorities to detain individuals considered habitual offenders or threats to public order without immediate trial. The detainees were being transported to Madurai specifically to appear before the goondas advisory board, which reviews such detention cases.
The escape has raised serious questions about security protocols during prisoner transfers and has put additional pressure on the Coimbatore police to swiftly recapture Farmaan. The special teams are currently pursuing all possible leads and conducting extensive searches in and around the area where the escape occurred.
