An under trial prisoner (UTP) that had been lodged in the Tura district jail escaped police custody today, while he was being taken for treatment on an emergency basis.
Sources said, the UTP identified as John R Sangma (21) from Siju in South Garo Hills, was not responding to treatment being given to him at the District Jail. He allegedly fell sick and had been vomiting. When the doctors failed to get a stimulus from the treatment in the jail, they contacted the Tura police authorities for help.
Sangma was in jail for an alleged case of sexual assault in South Garo Hills.
As per police sources, a call was received at about 9:30 am from the medical officer of the district jail that the UTP was in a critical condition and was not responding to treatment, a police team rushed to the spot.
Worried that the 21 year old could lose his life in custody, police rushed the prisoner to the Tura Civil Hospital (TCH) in a police Gypsy with armed police in tow. However before reaching the hospital, the UTP jumped out of the police car and escaped.
“He was able to slide his wrist out of the hand cuffs that he was wearing being short in stature. A search for the escaped prisoner is currently being undertaken,” said West Garo Hills Superintendent of Police Dr MGR Kumar.
The incident took place this morning at about 10 am with the escaped UTP last seen running towards Modi Nagar locality in Tura.
Naka checks have been put up at all points leading out of the town of Tura and in the district. All vehicles, including private and public ones are being checked.
“We are hopeful of catching him soon and have contacted the SGH police on the matter as well,” added the SP.
An inquiry into the incident as well as look at any lapses in the process is currently underway. Further two teams have currently been put on duty to search for the UTP. Information of the UTP has also been shared to all police stations.
