In a dramatic incident highlighting lapses in security protocol, an accused in a major cyber fraud case managed to escape from police custody after allegedly locking his escorts inside a room at a roadside eatery in Uttar Pradesh. The accused, who was being transported by a Haryana cyber police team, was later recaptured after a five-hour search operation.
The Midnight Escape at a Hardoi Dhaba
The audacious escape occurred after midnight on Friday, though the details came to light publicly only on Sunday. A team from the Haryana cyber police was escorting the accused, identified as Manjeet Mahato, from Charkhi Dadri in Haryana to Rae Bareli. During the journey, the team stopped at a roadside dhaba in Hardoi district, Uttar Pradesh, for a meal.
After eating, the police personnel and the accused decided to rest in a room at the dhaba. It was during this period of rest that Mahato allegedly seized an opportunity. He managed to lock the police officers inside the room and fled the scene, disappearing into the night.
Swift Recapture After Intensive Search
The escape triggered immediate action from the local police authorities in Uttar Pradesh. Upon being alerted, the Hardoi district police launched a massive search operation to track down the fugitive. The manhunt lasted for approximately five hours, after which the police successfully located and nabbed Manjeet Mahato once again.
The incident raises serious questions about the vigilance of the escort team tasked with transporting an accused involved in a high-value crime. The case for which he was arrested involves allegations of cheating amounting to a staggering Rs 1.1 crore.
Questions on Protocol and Security
This embarrassing episode for the police forces involved is likely to lead to an internal inquiry. Key areas of investigation will include:
- Lapse in security: How was the accused able to lock armed police personnel in a room?
- Escort procedures: Were standard operating procedures for prisoner transport followed during the rest stop?
- Coordination: What was the level of coordination between the Haryana escort team and local UP police prior to the stop?
While the accused is back in custody, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges law enforcement faces and the constant need for adherence to security protocols, even during routine activities like transport.
