FIR lodged in lawyer’s escape from police custody, state informs court

The state government on Friday informed the Bombay high court that an FIR had been lodged into the incident where policemen had allegedly facilitated the escape of a lawyer and a history sheeter while he was undergoing treatment at the Bombay hospital, HT reports.

The state government on Friday informed the Bombay high court that an FIR had been lodged into the incident where policemen had allegedly facilitated the escape of a lawyer and a history sheeter while he was undergoing treatment at the Bombay hospital.

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The court was hearing a petition filed by Jalgaon corporator Narendra Patil urging a departmental inquiry against the policemen who allegedly helped lawyer Tanaji Bhoite escape in May 2011.

According to the petition, on January 10, 2011, a Jalgaon magistrate had passed a detention order against Bhoite under the Maharashtra Prevention of Dangerous Activities of Slumlords, Bootleggers, Drug Offenders and Dangerous Persons Act.As many as six offences have been registered against Bhoite, it stated.

Bhoite had filed an application before the Nagpur bench of the high court to get himself admitted to a private hospital in Mumbai for a coronary artery bypass. In March 2011, the court allowed his plea on the condition that sufficient police personnel are deployed outside the ward. On May 15, Bhiote escaped from the hospital, but was later arrested and lodged in Nagpur Central Prison where he completed his one-year detention.

Additional public prosecutor Aruna Kamat Pai informed the court that disciplinary action was initiated against the constables who were incharge of guarding the accused.

Pai also sated that Bhoite, who is wanted in many other cases, is currently absconding and the police have secured a non-bailable warrant and a proclamation notice against him.