POCSO Accused Evades Guards, Flees Gujarat Sub-Jail After Religious Ceremony
In a significant security lapse, an inmate facing charges under the stringent Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act managed to escape from a sub-jail in Gujarat's Dahod district. The incident occurred late on Sunday evening at the Devgadh Baria sub-jail, prompting an immediate police response and a widespread manhunt.
Inmate Identified as Manoj Katara, Accused in Serious Case
The escaped prisoner has been identified as Manoj Katara, who was lodged at the facility in connection with a case registered at the Limkheda police station. Following his arrest, Katara had been remanded to judicial custody, highlighting the gravity of the charges against him. His escape has raised serious concerns about jail security protocols, especially for inmates accused of such severe offences.
Escape Unfolds After Hanuman Aarti Ceremony
According to the official complaint filed at the Devgadh Baria police station early on Monday, the escape sequence began when Katara was brought out of his cell along with another inmate for an aarti (religious ritual) dedicated to Lord Hanuman. Authorities believe that sometime after this ceremony, Katara seized the opportunity to slip away from the guards' supervision.
Bamboo Stick Found, Suspected as Escape Tool
During an intensive search operation conducted within the jail premises following the discovery of the escape, officials made a crucial find. A bamboo stick was discovered near the washrooms, leading investigators to suspect that Katara may have used this makeshift tool to scale the jail wall and make his getaway. This detail points to a possible premeditated plan, exploiting a moment of lowered vigilance.
Police Register Case, Launch Intensive Search
As soon as the escape came to light, jail authorities initiated a prompt search operation to locate the fugitive inmate. However, these initial efforts proved unsuccessful, prompting the police to formally register a case against Katara for the jailbreak. A comprehensive investigation is now actively underway, with law enforcement agencies mobilizing resources to trace and apprehend the accused. The incident underscores ongoing challenges in prison security and the urgent need for enhanced measures to prevent such breaches, particularly in cases involving serious legal charges.
