In a major lapse of security, four police personnel in Uttar Pradesh's Bijnor district have been formally charged with negligence after a man accused of rape managed to flee from a hospital where he was undergoing a medical examination. The incident has triggered serious questions about police protocol and custodial security in the state.
The Escape and Immediate Aftermath
The accused, identified as Shahnawaz, was in the custody of officers from the Kotwali police station. He had been arrested in connection with a rape case and was taken to the district hospital for a mandatory medical check-up on Monday, February 26. It was during this routine procedure that Shahnawaz saw an opportunity and escaped from the premises, vanishing before the policemen on duty could react.
Following the escape, senior police officials launched a swift investigation into the circumstances that allowed the accused to flee. The inquiry pointed to clear dereliction of duty by the officers tasked with guarding him. As a direct consequence, four policemen were booked under relevant sections for negligence. The named personnel include Head Constables Satyendra Singh and Virendra Kumar, and Constables Rahul Kumar and Sonu.
Police Response and Ongoing Manhunt
The Bijnor police have not taken the incident lightly. A senior officer confirmed that a case has been registered against the four personnel, and departmental action is also being initiated. "Strict action will be taken against the policemen found guilty of negligence," the officer stated, underscoring the seriousness with which the breach is being viewed.
Simultaneously, a massive search operation has been launched to recapture Shahnawaz. Police teams are conducting raids at possible hideouts and are actively pursuing all leads to track down the escaped rape accused. The incident has caused significant embarrassment to the police force and has raised concerns among the local community regarding the safety and security protocols followed when accused individuals are taken outside jail premises.
Broader Implications and Accountability
This episode highlights a recurring challenge within law enforcement—maintaining secure custody during external movements. The booking of the four policemen serves as a strong message from the department that such lapses will not be tolerated, especially in sensitive cases involving serious charges like rape.
The authorities are now focused on two parallel tracks: apprehending the fugitive accused and ensuring accountability within their own ranks. The outcome of the internal disciplinary proceedings against the four booked personnel will be closely watched, as it will set a precedent for handling custodial negligence in the future.
For now, the residents of Bijnor and the victim await justice, hoping for the swift re-arrest of Shahnawaz and the implementation of stricter safeguards to prevent such security failures from happening again.
