Dumka Court Escape: Convicts Apprehended Within a Day
In a dramatic sequence of events in Jharkhand, two men convicted for murder managed to flee from a court premises in Dumka, only to be recaptured by police in a neighbouring district within 24 hours. The incident has raised serious questions about security protocols at judicial complexes.
The Escape and Swift Manhunt
The fugitives, identified as Shivdhsn Mohli and Naren Mohli, escaped on Wednesday, immediately after the court of the Additional District and Sessions Judge-1, Kumar Kranti Prasad, held them guilty. The murder case was rooted in a longstanding land dispute within the limits of the Amrapara police station in Dumka district.
Following the escape, the Pakur district police launched an intensive search operation. Superintendent of Police (SP) Nidhi Dwivedi stated that a case was promptly registered and a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was constituted to track down the accused. The SIT's efforts bore fruit on Thursday when both men were apprehended from the Maheshpur police station area in Pakur district.
Fallout and Suspension
The brazen escape from court custody prompted immediate administrative action. Holding him accountable for the security lapse, authorities suspended court lock-up in-charge Harendra Nath Mandal on charges of negligence. This move underscores the zero-tolerance policy towards lapses in prisoner security, especially after a verdict has been delivered.
The quick rearrest prevented the convicts from potentially evading justice. However, the episode highlights a critical vulnerability in the system, where convicted individuals can exploit gaps in security during transit or within court premises. Police officials have emphasised that investigations are ongoing to ensure such incidents are not repeated.
The entire operation, from escape to re-arrest, unfolded over a tense 24-hour period, showcasing both a concerning flaw in security and a responsive police mechanism. The case continues to be under scrutiny as the judicial process against the convicted individuals moves forward.
