Ludhiana: In yet another security lapse, an undertrial, accused in a murder case, escaped from police custody while undergoing treatment at Ludhiana civil hospital. The incident, which took place on Feb 6, is part of a pattern of several accused fleeing police custody in the city over the past few months.The Samrala police had brought undertrial Satpal Singh alias Sattu to the civil hospital from jail for medical examination after his health took a turn for the worse. Taking advantage of the rush in the hospital OPD, Satpal allegedly slipped away while policemen escorting him were engaged with the doctors.Just four days earlier on Feb 2, another undertrial Ajay Kumar had escaped from the same hospital during a medical visit from Borstal Jail. Ajay was being examined by an orthopaedic doctor when the policemen went to collect medicines. He allegedly removed his handcuffs and taking advantage of the crowd, he fled.Three days after escaping custody, Ajay Kumar allegedly murdered a nine-year-old boy in his native village of Kasabad by slitting throat. He remains at large.In-charge of the civil hospital police post ASI Raj Kumar said the police had received information that Satpal may have fled to Uttar Pradesh, but no specific leads were found. He added that there was currently no clue about Ajay Kumar, though a reward of Rs 20,000 has been announced for information leading to his arrest.On Jan 18, another accused involved in a drug trafficking case had escaped from the court complex parking after pushing a policeman escorting him. The incident took place in the lawyers’ parking area. A case was registered at division number 5 police station. The accused was, however, rearrested.Over the past year, multiple such incidents have raised serious questions about escort protocols and security arrangements during hospital visits and court appearances.
