Inspector General of Prisons, Mariahom Kharkrang, has admitted that there may have been some failings on the part of police that led to the escape of two hardened criminals – Small Phawa and Kwall Laloo – from Jowai Civil Hospital yesterday.
Kharkrang is still waiting on the official report from the West Jaiñtia Hills Superintendent of Police into the escape.
Phawa is a convicted child rapist, while Laloo is serving a life sentence for murder.
Kharkrang said that the escape of the two convicts was “unfortunate” since they are involved in “heinous” crimes and that they were able to escape from lawful custody.
Phawa and Laloo were admitted to Jowai Civil Hospital after they complained of illness. Phawa was admitted to hospital on January 27, with Laloo following two days later.
Phawa was convicted for his involvement in the 2011 rape of a 10-year-old girl. He was sentenced to 10 years rigorous imprisonment with a fine of Rs 5,000. Meanwhile, Laloo was convicted for murder and was serving a sentence of rigorous life imprisonment.
