Noida Scrap Tycoon Released Without Court Order, Triggers Judicial Scrutiny and Police Hunt
In a startling development that has raised serious questions about prison administration and judicial oversight, Ravi Kana, a prominent scrap tycoon from Noida accused of building a criminal empire through coercion and extortion, has been released from custody without any formal court order authorizing his freedom. The controversial release occurred earlier this month from Banda district jail, where Kana was being held in connection with multiple criminal cases, including charges under the stringent UP Gangsters and Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act.
Court Issues Show-Cause Notice to Jail Superintendent
On Friday, a chief judicial magistrate's court in Noida took serious note of this irregular release and issued a show-cause notice to the superintendent of Banda jail. The court demanded a detailed explanation for why Kana was allowed to walk free despite being the subject of an active B warrant—a legal directive requiring his presence for another proceeding.
"Under what circumstances and on what basis did you release the accused, who was lodged in your jail in another case, without any notice from the court?" questioned CJM Sanjeev Kumar Tripathi in the notice. The court further asked why legal action should not be initiated against the jail official for what it termed as "escape of an accused from custody."
Controversial Release Despite Judicial Summons
The B warrant against Ravi Kana had been issued to ensure his production before the Noida court in connection with an FIR registered at Dankaur police station in Gautam Budh Nagar. The case involves serious charges under BNS sections including creating fear of injury leading to death or grievous hurt, criminal intimidation, and common criminal intention.
Kana, who was initially lodged in a Gautam Budh Nagar jail for various other cases, had been transferred to Banda jail in August 2024 for administrative reasons. He was produced before the Noida court via video conference from Banda jail on Thursday. Shockingly, he was released the same evening without any judicial authorization.
Jail Administration's Questionable Explanation
In a letter to the Noida court, the Banda jail superintendent offered a convoluted justification for the release. The official claimed that Kana had received bail in other cases and was only in custody under the B warrant until January 29, 2026. Due to the "non-availability of a police guard" and the absence of specific instructions regarding the custody warrant or next hearing date, the jail administration decided to release him.
"Release orders were received in all custody warrants available at the jail for the undertrial prisoner," the jailer wrote, suggesting Kana had obtained bail in other matters. "Since no information was received from any medium regarding the custody warrant or the date of further hearing of the subject case, the undertrial prisoner was released from this jail on Jan 29 at 18:39 after informing him about the subject B warrant."
Court Rejects Jail's Justification
The Noida court firmly rejected this explanation, emphasizing that the jail superintendent was fully aware of the active B warrant against Kana. The court noted that Kana had been specifically summoned based on an application from the investigating officer seeking remand, making his release completely unjustified.
"He was not supposed to be released," the court stated unequivocally, highlighting the procedural lapse that allowed a serious accused to walk free without proper judicial sanction.
Police Launch Intensive Manhunt
Following the court's directive, police have launched an intensive operation to recapture Ravi Kana. Santosh Kumar, ADCP Central Noida, confirmed on Friday that five special teams have been formed to track down the fugitive scrap tycoon.
"We conducted several raids at his whereabouts, but he was not present there," Kumar revealed, indicating that Kana has gone underground since his controversial release.
Kana's Extensive Criminal History
Ravi Kana's release has gained particular significance given his extensive criminal background:
- First booked in 2013 in Ghaziabad for dacoity in Vijay Nagar area
- Eight additional cases registered between 2013-2019 for extortion, wrongful confinement, cheating, fights, dacoity, and harboring escaped offenders
- Two serious cases registered in late 2023, including one for gang rape at Gardens Galleria mall parking lot
- Gangster Act case filed in January 2024 at Beta 2 police station naming Kana, his wife Madhu, and 14 associates including close aide Kajal Jha
The scrap tycoon's arrest in 2024 came after police accused him of systematically coercing businesses into awarding him contracts, thereby building what authorities described as a criminal empire through intimidation and force.
Broader Implications for Prison Administration
This incident has raised serious concerns about prison administration protocols and the implementation of judicial directives. The release of a high-profile accused under the Gangster Act without court approval points to potential systemic failures in coordination between judicial authorities and prison administrations.
The case also highlights challenges in managing undertrial prisoners transferred between facilities for administrative reasons, particularly when multiple cases and warrants are involved simultaneously.
As police continue their search for Ravi Kana, the judicial scrutiny of the jail superintendent's actions represents a critical test of accountability mechanisms within the prison system. The outcome of this case may prompt reforms in how courts monitor the custody status of serious offenders and how prison authorities implement judicial directives.
