An Assistant Police Inspector (API) and a Head Constable attached to the Khaparkheda Police Station have been suspended by Superintendent of Police (SP) Dr Harssh Poddar on Sunday for dereliction of duty following the escape of a notorious criminal from police custody on Saturday. API Falgun Ghodmare and Head Constable Shatrughna Wahane were suspended after a preliminary inquiry revealed their negligence in handling the situation. The accused, identified as Piyush Verma (18), a resident of Chankapur mines, was arrested by Khaparkheda Police on Friday night, with a firearm (Desi Katta) recovered from his possession. Following his arrest, police registered a case under the provisions of the Indian Arms Act and brought him to the police station.

 

The escape occurred around 4.30 pm on Saturday when Verma was taken out of the lockup. As the Investigation Officer was engrossed in paperwork related to his court appearance, Verma managed to slip his hand out of the handcuffs. Eyewitnesses reported that he calmly walked away from the chair he was seated on and dashed out of the police station before the police officers could react. Police personnel on duty immediately noticed his absence and initiated a pursuit, but Verma had already made a quick exit and is currently on the run. The Khaparkheda Police have registered an additional offence against Verma for escaping custody. Searches in the area have been launched, but as of Sunday night, Verma has not been located.