New Delhi: An undertrial who allegedly faked a medical emergency to escape custody was apprehended by Delhi Police’s crime branch after 48 hours.Pawan Bhalla was initially arrested on June 15 during routine patrolling near Lal Flats in Sector 4, Rohini. During his personal search, police recovered a prohibited button-operated knife from the pocket of his jeans. A case under the Arms Act was registered, following which he was sent to judicial custody.On June 24, while lodged in jail, Bhalla allegedly consumed an unknown substance and was shifted to Dr Baba Saheb Ambedkar Hospital in a drowsy condition after complaining of hematemesis (blood vomiting). He was provided initial treatment, but considering the seriousness of his condition, doctors referred him to the department of medicine and later shifted him to GB Pant Hospital for further evaluation.A senior police officer said that at 6.45 pm on June 26, Bhalla sought permission to use the washroom. Taking advantage of the opportunity, he escaped through the washroom ventilator. Despite immediate search efforts by the escorting staff, he could not be traced, following which another case was registered.Police received a lead about his movement in Himachal Pradesh and tracked him to Jitpur Behri in Una District, where he was apprehended. During interrogation, Bhalla disclosed that immediately after escaping from the hospital, he reached Old Delhi Railway Station and boarded a train to Una.Using his familiarity with the area, he took shelter at the house of a former accomplice.To sustain himself while staying under the radar, he resumed work at a warehouse in Una district, loading and unloading goods while constantly attempting to conceal his identity and evade arrest.Police said Bhalla, a resident of Budh Vihar, was first arrested in a burglary case in 2023 and is involved in three criminal cases. He has previously worked as a helper in a DJ setup and as a labourer in Una during 2024–25. He also admitted to being addicted to drugs.
