A major security lapse unfolded in Amritsar on Monday when an undertrial prisoner managed to escape from police custody, leading to the registration of a case against five police personnel, including an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI). The incident has raised serious questions about procedural diligence and custody management within the force.
The Escape and Immediate Aftermath
The escape occurred on February 26. The accused, identified as Gurpreet Singh, a resident of Chheharta, was being transported by a police party from the Amritsar Central Jail to the local court for a hearing. Gurpreet Singh was facing trial in a case registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act at the Chheharta police station.
According to official reports, the prisoner fled while in the custody of the police team. Following the escape, a case was registered at the Kotwali police station in Amritsar. The First Information Report (FIR) names five individuals for their alleged negligence and failure to prevent the escape.
Personnel Booked for Negligence
The police have taken action against their own. The booked personnel include Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Balwinder Singh, who was leading the team, and four other constables. They have been charged under relevant sections of the law pertaining to dereliction of duty.
This move underscores the department's acknowledgment of a serious procedural failure. The registration of the FIR signals the initiation of a formal departmental and criminal investigation into the circumstances that allowed the undertrial to break free.
Ongoing Investigation and Manhunt
Following the incident, the Amritsar police have launched a dual-pronged effort. A massive search operation is currently underway to recapture the escaped prisoner, Gurpreet Singh. Police teams are conducting raids and have alerted neighboring districts to tighten vigil.
Simultaneously, an internal investigation is probing the exact sequence of events. Authorities are examining whether there was a moment of lowered guard, a planned diversion, or any complicity that facilitated the escape. The findings of this probe will likely influence further disciplinary action.
Broader Implications and Accountability
This incident is not an isolated one and highlights recurring concerns over the security of prisoners during transit. Such escapes point towards potential gaps in standard operating procedures and the need for stricter enforcement of custody protocols.
The booking of an ASI and his team sets a precedent for holding personnel directly accountable for lapses in their duty of care. It sends a clear message within the force that negligence, especially concerning the custody of accused individuals, will not be tolerated and will invite legal consequences.
The Amritsar police are now under pressure to not only apprehend the fugitive but also to review and strengthen their custody transfer mechanisms to prevent such embarrassing and dangerous security breaches in the future.
