Undertrial Criminal Escapes Police Custody During Hospital Visit in Ludhiana
In a significant security lapse, an undertrial criminal managed to flee from police custody while receiving medical treatment at Civil Hospital in Ludhiana. The incident has prompted a frantic search operation, with law enforcement officials intensively reviewing footage from CCTV cameras installed at the hospital and surrounding areas.
Details of the Escape Incident
The absconding individual, identified as Satpal Singh, was brought to the healthcare facility from Central Jail, Ludhiana, for diagnosis and treatment of suspected hemorrhoids. According to sources at Civil Hospital, a police team led by Raj Kumar escorted Singh for his medical evaluation. However, during the visit, Singh exploited the situation to escape, leaving authorities scrambling to track his movements.
This escape marks another embarrassing episode for the police department, as it is not the first instance where an inmate has successfully fled from custody. Initially, attempts were made to conceal the incident, but by late afternoon, the police were compelled to register a fresh case against Singh to formalize the manhunt.
Police Response and Investigation Efforts
In response to the escape, the police have launched a comprehensive investigation, focusing on analyzing CCTV footage from cameras positioned at Civil Hospital and along the roads and streets leading to the center. The primary objective is to reconstruct the route taken by Singh after his disappearance, aiming to pinpoint his current whereabouts and facilitate a swift recapture.
The failure to prevent this escape has raised serious questions about the adequacy of security protocols during such hospital visits. Authorities are now under pressure to review and strengthen their procedures to prevent similar incidents in the future, ensuring that undertrial prisoners are kept under tighter surveillance during medical appointments.
As the search continues, the community in Ludhiana remains on alert, with police urging the public to report any suspicious activities or sightings related to the fugitive. The incident underscores ongoing challenges in maintaining custody security, particularly in high-traffic public settings like hospitals.
