Two Police Constables Suspended After Murder Accused Escapes in Sivaganga
In a significant disciplinary action, Sivaganga district superintendent of police R Shiva Prasad has ordered the suspension of two police constables following the escape of a murder accused during a routine medical examination. The incident has raised serious concerns about police vigilance and procedural lapses in the district.
Background of the Case
The accused, identified as Muthukumar alias Pulipandi, aged 24 and a resident of Manamadurai, was originally arrested in 2022 in connection with the murder of Radhakrishnan, who lived in Mattakulam near Sivaganga. After securing bail, Pulipandi consistently failed to appear for his trial proceedings at the Sivaganga court. This led the court to issue an arrest warrant against him, culminating in his re-arrest by Sivaganga taluk police on February 12.
Details of the Escape
On the day of his arrest, Pulipandi was taken to Sivaganga Government Medical College for a mandatory medical examination around 3:30 PM. During this process, he managed to push away the two police constables accompanying him and fled the scene. The constables, Rajeshkannan and Shanmugavel, both attached to the Sivaganga taluk police station, were unable to prevent the escape, highlighting a critical security breach.
Surrender and Aftermath
In a surprising turn of events, Pulipandi voluntarily surrendered before the Sivaganga court at 10:30 AM on Friday. Later that same day, SP R Shiva Prasad took swift action by issuing suspension orders against constables Rajeshkannan and Shanmugavel. This move underscores the administration's commitment to accountability and maintaining law and order in the region.
The suspension serves as a stern reminder of the importance of diligence in police duties, especially when handling high-risk accused individuals. Authorities are now reviewing protocols to prevent such incidents in the future, emphasizing enhanced security measures during prisoner transfers and medical checks.
