Handcuffed Accused Makes Daring Escape from Police Custody in Ludhiana
In a shocking incident in Ludhiana, a man arrested in connection with a bike theft case managed to escape from police custody despite allegedly being handcuffed. The escape occurred while a police team was transporting him and two associates back to the police station after a local court granted one-day police remand.
Details of the Arrest and Court Proceedings
According to the FIR lodged on the statement of ASI Jasveer Singh, the police had arrested three individuals: Vicky Raj of Haridwar, Jamipal, and Jagdeep Singh. The arrests were made in relation to a bike theft case, with a stolen motorcycle recovered from them in the Janakpuri area of Ludhiana. Vicky Raj had been residing near the Ludhiana railway station prior to his arrest.
After the arrests, ASI Jasveer Singh, along with ASI Gurdev Singh and Punjab Home Guard volunteer Karan Singh, took the trio to court. The court proceedings resulted in the accused being remanded to one-day police custody, a standard procedure for further investigation.
The Dramatic Escape Incident
The escape unfolded as the police team was returning to the station. ASI Jasveer Singh was driving the vehicle, while the three accused were seated in the rear with ASI Gurdev Singh and the Home Guard volunteer. As the vehicle approached JMD Mall, near the railway station, traffic forced the driver to slow down.
At that critical moment, Vicky Raj reportedly freed himself from the handcuffs and leaped out of the moving car. The police immediately halted the vehicle and gave chase, but despite their efforts, Vicky Raj successfully evaded capture and escaped into the surrounding area.
Police Response and Legal Action
Following the escape, the Division Number 2 police have registered a fresh FIR against Vicky Raj. The case has been filed under Section 262 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which pertains to resistance or obstruction to lawful apprehension. This legal provision underscores the seriousness of the incident, as it involves direct defiance of police authority during custody.
Police officials have confirmed that raids are currently underway across Ludhiana and possibly beyond to trace and re-arrest the accused. The escape has prompted a review of custody protocols, though specific measures have not been disclosed publicly.
Implications and Ongoing Investigation
This incident highlights potential vulnerabilities in police custody procedures, particularly during transit. The fact that Vicky Raj was able to free himself from handcuffs raises questions about the security measures in place. Authorities are likely to scrutinize the events leading up to the escape to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
The police are intensifying their search efforts, leveraging local intelligence and surveillance to locate Vicky Raj. The public has been urged to report any sightings or information that could assist in his apprehension. As the investigation progresses, updates are expected from the Ludhiana police department regarding the manhunt and any additional charges that may be filed.
