Undertrial Prisoner Flees Mehsana Civil Hospital During Police Guard's Brief Absence
In a startling security lapse, an undertrial prisoner accused in a theft case managed to escape from the civil hospital in Mehsana on Tuesday evening. The incident occurred when the police escort assigned to guard him temporarily stepped away to use the washroom, leaving the prisoner unattended for a critical few minutes.
Details of the Escape Incident
The accused, who was booked in a theft case at the Bahucharaji police station, had been brought to the hospital from Mehsana sub-jail for medical treatment along with four other inmates. Following doctors' advice, two of these inmates, including the escapee, were admitted to the hospital's guard room for observation and care.
According to police sources, an assistant sub-inspector (ASI) from the Mehsana police headquarters was stationed outside the guard room to ensure security. At approximately 7:48 PM on Tuesday, the ASI briefly left his post to use the washroom after confirming that the iron grill door of the room was securely locked.
However, within a mere two minutes, the accused allegedly managed to open the grill door and slip out unnoticed. When the officer returned around 7:50 PM, he discovered the grill door ajar and the prisoner missing. Acting swiftly, he rushed outside and reportedly spotted the accused running towards the X-ray room. Taking advantage of the darkness and the hospital's layout, the prisoner vanished from sight, evading immediate capture.
Police Response and Ongoing Investigation
Senior police officials were immediately alerted about the escape, prompting the launch of a comprehensive search operation to apprehend the fugitive. Despite extensive efforts, the accused remained untraced until late Wednesday night, highlighting the challenges in locating him.
A formal complaint has been registered at the Mehsana A-Division police station against the accused for escaping from lawful custody. Further investigation is currently underway, with police intensifying efforts to track down the fugitive and review security protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.
This escape raises serious concerns about the adequacy of security measures for prisoners during medical visits, especially in hospital settings where vulnerabilities can be exploited. Authorities are now scrutinizing the procedures in place to ensure such lapses do not recur, as the search for the escaped undertrial continues.
