‘Form team to trace absconding convicts’

It has been five years since the Bombay High Court took up the issue of absconding accused or convicts. However, if the statistics are to go by, then not much progress has been made in ensuring that they do not jump bail or furlough or parole.

It has been five years since the Bombay High Court took up the issue of absconding accused or convicts. However, if the statistics are to go by, then not much progress has been made in ensuring that they do not jump bail or furlough or parole.

The high court has asked the state government to come up with some comprehensive policy to ensure that convicts and accused don’t abscond after being released from jail.

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As on July 29, 2010, 15, 388 accused were untraceable whereas the figure for rest of the Maharashtra was 3,888. In June 30, 2006, the figure was 17,407 and 7,118 in Mumbai and Maharashtra respectively.

“You [government] should consider setting up a separate wing to trace these people. Also, start taking actions against the persons who have stood sureties for them [non-traceable accused/convicts],” said Khanwilkar.
Additional public prosecutor Ajey Gadkari informed the court that the government would consider the suggestion of having a separate wing.

“The number has been fluctuating between 15,000 and 17,000. A separate agency to trace absconding accused would be considered, apart from the high powered committee,” said Gadkari.

On Thursday a chart was submitted by senior advocate Girish Godbole, who was appointed as amicus curie (friend of court), which gave the number of accused who were not traceable. Of the 15,388, 14,870 were on bail and 717 convicts were released on parole.