MARGAO
The Goa police were left red-faced after an accused in a burglary case, Cheema Paul (20), who was admitted in Hospicio hospital, gave the men-in-uniform a slip in the middle of the night.
In a swift action, South Goa district police Chief, SP Arvind Gawas placed all the three constables -- Sanjay Kaushal Velip, Rakshak Devidas and Hireshwar Duddiwadkar attached to the Margao police station -- under suspension for dereliction
of duty.
The SP has also initiated a disciplinary inquiry to ascertain the reasons behind the daring escape of the accused and the negligence of the three personnel.
The most baffling thing for the cops is how Cheema, who was arrested two days ago, managed to escape by freeing his hands from the handcuffs, which were found on the bed.
Police officials believe that none of the three police personnel were present around the hospital bed on late Friday night, giving time to the accused to make good his escape. It was only after the police personnel returned, realization dawned on them that Cheema had escaped.
A manhunt launched by the police later in the night proved futile and the accused was untraceable till Saturday evening.
The Fatorda police have registered a fresh case against the accused for escaping from legal custody.
The Margao police had arrested accuse Cheema for investigations into several of burglary cases reported in the jurisdiction of Margao sub-division. He was in the custody of the Margao police after the court had granted him two days police remand.
