Shimla: A convict jailed for rape under the POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) Act escaped from police custody near the Tawi turn in Shimla’s Boileauganj suburb on Saturday evening.
Identified as Lovekush (24) of Uttar Pradesh, he was serving his sentence in Kanda jail for the rape of a minor. He managed to evade the policemen escorting him while being transported back to the jail from Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital (IGMC), where he had been taken for treatment.
According to police sources, the incident occurred when the convict was about to board a bus at Tawi turn. Lovekush suddenly pushed one of the constables and fled from the spot. Despite immediate efforts to capture him, he disappeared into the surrounding area. The police have since launched an extensive manhunt but have not yet been able to locate him.
The Shimla police have alerted all district borders and neighbouring police stations to prevent the convict from escaping further. Special teams have been deployed and search operations are underway in various parts of the city.
This is not the first time such an incident has occurred in Shimla. Just two months ago, another prisoner managed to escape from Dhalli police station but was later arrested. Incidents of prisoners evading police custody have raised concerns about the handling of convicts, particularly those with serious charges.
Shimla Superintendent of Police Sanjeev Gandhi, addressing the media, confirmed the escape and assured the public that the police were taking all necessary measures to catch the convict. “A prisoner has escaped. Our teams are investigating and all personnel have been alerted. We are confident that the accused will be apprehended soon,” said the SP.
