Mangaluru police have formed two special teams to track down an accused who escaped from police custody on Friday. The teams are working round-the-clock, and the CCTV footage of the escape is being displayed on LED screens installed under the Mangaluru Smart City project to seek public assistance.
Details of the escape
The accused, identified as Ravi, a 32-year-old resident of Bantwal, was arrested in connection with a chain snatching case. He was being transported to a court when he managed to slip away from the police escort near the Mangaluru city bus stand around 10:30 am on Friday. According to police sources, the accused was handcuffed but managed to free himself and flee into a crowded area.
Police response and investigation
Commissioner of Police N. Shashikumar stated, "We have constituted two dedicated teams to nab the accused. One team is analyzing CCTV footage from the vicinity, while the other is conducting ground-level inquiries. The footage from the escape has been shared with all police stations in the district." The CCTV clips are also being broadcast on the Smart City LED displays at key junctions such as Hampankatta, State Bank, and PVS Circle to alert the public.
Police have also released a photograph of the accused and urged citizens to report any information to the nearest police station or the control room at 0824-2220500. A reward of Rs 10,000 has been announced for credible leads leading to his arrest.
Legal and procedural aspects
The escape has prompted an internal inquiry into the lapses by the police personnel involved in the escort. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) H. R. Mahadev said, "We are examining the circumstances that led to the escape. The constables on duty have been suspended pending a detailed investigation." The accused, Ravi, is also wanted in two other cases of theft in the city.
This incident has raised concerns about security protocols in prisoner transport. The police have assured that measures are being strengthened to prevent such occurrences in the future.
