Dahod Police Successfully Recapture Pocso Accused After Dramatic Jail Escape
In a significant development, the Dahod police have successfully recaptured Manoj Katara, an undertrial prisoner accused in a Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act case. Katara had managed to escape from the Devgadh Baria sub-jail late on Sunday evening, sparking an intensive manhunt across the region.
Details of the Jail Escape and Recapture Operation
The escape occurred under unusual circumstances. According to an official offence registered at the Devgadh Baria police station, Katara was brought out of his cell on Sunday evening along with another inmate for an 'aarti' ceremony. It is believed that he exploited this opportunity to flee the premises sometime after the event.
Investigators discovered a bamboo stick near a toilet within the jail compound, leading them to conclude that Katara likely used this makeshift tool to scale the jail wall and make his escape. This breach of security prompted immediate action from law enforcement agencies.
Coordinated Police Manhunt Leads to Arrest
A massive and coordinated search operation was launched involving multiple specialized police units. The effort included personnel from:
- The local crime branch
- The special operations group
- The parole-furlough squad
- Limkheda police station
- Devgadh Baria police station
After three days of intensive searching, police received crucial intelligence on Wednesday indicating that Katara had returned to his residence in Hathiyavan village, located in the Limkheda taluka of Dahod district. A specialized police team swiftly moved to the location and successfully apprehended the fugitive at his home.
Case Background and Legal Proceedings
Manoj Katara is an undertrial prisoner facing charges under the stringent Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act. The original case against him was registered at the Limkheda police station in Dahod district. Following his recapture, he has been formally handed over to the Devgadh Baria police, who will now handle the additional charges related to his jail escape.
This incident has raised serious questions about security protocols at the Devgadh Baria sub-jail, particularly regarding prisoner movement during religious or ceremonial activities. Authorities are expected to conduct a thorough review of jail procedures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The successful recapture operation demonstrates the effectiveness of coordinated police efforts in Gujarat's Dahod district, ensuring that individuals accused of serious crimes are brought back into custody to face justice through proper legal channels.
