Banda Court Holds Two Retired Policemen Guilty in 18-Year-Old Gangster Escape Case

Banda: In a case that highlights both the slow pace of judicial proceedings and the message that no one is above the law, a Banda court has convicted two retired policemen for negligence in the escape of a gangster 18 years ago. The judgment serves as a reminder to law enforcement that accountability follows, regardless of how much time has passed.

Background of the Case
The incident dates back to 2007, when gangster Wasim Khan was being transported from Jhansi Court to Banda under police custody. During the transit, Khan managed to slip out of his handcuffs and escape. He later surrendered voluntarily, and subsequently, he passed away.

Following the escape, an inquiry revealed negligence on the part of two constables: Suresh Tiwari from GRP Thana, Kanpur Nagar, and Vijay Pal from Kalyanpur Thana, Shivnagar Nai Basti, Tirama village. Both were accused of deliberately facilitating the escape. After departmental investigation, they were dismissed from service.

Court Verdict After Nearly Two Decades
After 18 years, ACJM Railway Court Banda judge Divyakant Singh Rathore delivered the verdict on Wednesday, sentencing both former constables to one year in jail each and imposing a fine of ₹1,000 on each. GRP Thana in-charge Shyam Babu confirmed that the escape occurred while Wasim Khan was being transported from Jhansi Court to Banda in 2007. Both policemen had been previously dismissed and booked for their involvement.

This landmark ruling underscores that justice, even if delayed, is eventually served, sending a strong signal to all law enforcement officers about their duties and accountability.