Theft accused escapes from police custody in Bholath

In a shocking turn of events, a youth, arrested in connection with a theft case, escaped from police custody late at night from the lock-up of the Bholath police station.

The accused Kaushal Gill was in custody for allegedly stealing Rs 20,000 from Gill Electrical Store near Chowk in Bholath on the night of March 31.

Following the escape, the Bholath police registered a case against the Home Guard on sentry duty and the absconding accused, based on statements recorded by the munshi (clerk) on duty.

The theft complaint had initially been filed by store owner Manjinderpal Singh, a resident of Khassan, leading to the arrest of Gill, a resident of Bholath.

According to the investigation led by Sub-Inspector Sukhdev Singh, Gill was detained at Bholath after his arrest. However, in the early hours of April 4, around 4 am, he managed to escape from the lock-up. Constable Vikas, who was the night munshi on duty, reported that the accused was missing and that both lock-up and main gate of the station were found open.

Constable Vikas also revealed that Home Guard Kashmir Singh, who was the sentry that night, had been instructed to keep a watch on the accused. On the morning of April 4, Kashmir informed Vikas that the lock-up door was open and the accused was nowhere to be found.

Following these developments, a case has been registered against Kashmir Singh and the absconding Gill. DSP, Bholath, Colonel Singh, confirmed that multiple police teams have been deployed to apprehend the escaped accused.

An internal inquiry is underway to investigate the lapse in security and negligence on part of the personnel involved.

Jalandhar