Murder Convict Recaptured in Nashik After Fleeing Dhule Open Prison
In a swift police operation, a 55-year-old murder convict who escaped from the Dhule district jail has been rearrested in Nashik. The incident unfolded on Friday night when Dhule police successfully detained Bhikan Najir Pinjari, who was serving a life sentence for kidnapping and murder.
Escape from Agricultural Fields
According to jail officials, Pinjari managed to slip away unnoticed on Thursday while working with seven other inmates in the agricultural fields attached to the Dhule district jail. The open-prison system, which allows select prisoners to engage in agricultural work, was introduced at the facility two years ago.
When the other prisoners realized Pinjari was missing, they immediately informed senior jail officers. A search was promptly launched, and the jail authorities filed a formal complaint with the Dhule city police.
Swift Police Response and Arrest
An FIR was registered under Section 262 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for resisting or obstructing lawful apprehension. Acting on intelligence that Pinjari had reached Pimpalgaon in Nashik district, the Dhule police alerted their counterparts in Pimpalgaon.
The fugitive was detained around 9 pm on Friday, marking his recapture within 24 hours of the FIR being filed. Sub-inspector Milind Navgire, who is investigating the case, revealed that Pinjari walked towards Pimpalgaon, where his brother resided.
Family Cooperation and Tactical Detention
Police contacted Pinjari's relatives in Niphad soon after the escape, urging them to alert authorities if he made any contact. In the evening, Pinjari's younger brother informed the police that he had received a call from a specific phone number.
"We then instructed the brother to meet Pinjari and keep him engaged until help arrived," Navgire stated. When Pinjari became aggressive, his brother stepped aside and alerted the police that he might leave at any moment.
Dhule police coordinated with their Pimpalgaon counterparts, who detained Pinjari until the Dhule police team reached the spot.
Disguise and Investigation Details
The police noted that Pinjari was wearing a white trouser and a black T-shirt, which he likely borrowed from someone in the jail. This change of clothing allowed him to walk unnoticed all the way to Pimpalgaon.
The case highlights the challenges and protocols of the open-prison system, while also demonstrating effective inter-district police coordination. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances of the escape and the measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
