THE MAIN accused in the murder of former Deen Dayal Upadhyay University Sanjeev Singh Shrinetra escaped from police custody in the civil court here.
The Special Task Force had arrested Shesh Pratap Rai alias Bhunwar Rai in Lucknow and brought him here so that he could be produced before a court, but he made good his escape. Bhuwar was wanted in around a dozen cases of loot and murder. Police have sounded an alert and launched a manhunt for him.
Reports said Bhuwar Singh was brought here by two policemen and was to be produced in court for a hearing in connection with the Shrinetra murder case.
The policemen consumed grape juice and fell asleep at an advocate’s chamber and the accused fled from the scene in a luxury car.
When the policemen woke up from their slumber, they found Bhuwan missing.
Subsequently, they launched a search for the criminal and reported the escape to their seniors. Police have raided various places in search of criminals and sources said police have got some important clues regarding Bhunwar’s hideout.
Bhunwar had opened indiscriminate fire on Sanjeev Singh Shrinetra on March 16, 2005, at the Laxmi Bai Girls’ Hostel gate in DDU Gorakhpur University. The incident took place near the SSP’s residence. Shrinetra died on the spot. The incident had caused quite a sensation in the district.
Students’ union leaders had launched a movement, demanding the arrest of the accused. Police officials had conducted a raid on two places in Lucknow.
{{/usCountry}}Students’ union leaders had launched a movement, demanding the arrest of the accused. Police officials had conducted a raid on two places in Lucknow.
{{/usCountry}}Thereafter, the then SSP of Lucknow Navniet Sekera had handed over the case to the STF, which arrested Bhunwar last year. Senior superintendent of police Dipesh Juneja said police teams had started an extensive search operation and expressed hope that the criminal would be arrested soon.