Undertrial escapes, 5 suspended

Excelsior Correspondent
SAMBA, July 26: An undertrial, who was brought to court here in the dacoity case escaped from the police custody. However, 5 cops have been placed under suspension for dereliction of duties.
As per police sources, an undertrial identified as Balbir Singh, son of Raj Kumar, a resident of Pathankote, at present Ward Number 14, District Kathua was arrested by Samba Police in a dacoity case registered in the year 2012 and was presently lodged in District Jail Dangri in Rajouri.
The cops from District Police Lines (DPL) Rajouri had brought the accused to Munsiff Court Samba for hearing in the dacoity case, but the accused after getting a chance managed to escape from the custody of police cops.
SSP Samba Anil Magotra told the Excelsior that the accused was brought to Munsiff Court Samba by Rajouri police cops, but the accused gave a slip and managed to escape from the custody. Hunt has been launched to nab the accused, he informed.
When contacted, SSP Rajouri Yougal Manhas told the Excelsior that five cops have been placed under suspension for dereliction of duties. The suspended cops have been identified as ASI Rumant Singh, HC Mohammad Shafiq, SgCt Hukam Chand, SgCT Tarseem Singh and Constable Mohammad Rafiq, he said, adding that a departmental enquiry has also been ordered.