Aligarh (Uttar Pradesh): In a shocking lapse of security, a man convicted in a nine-year-old rape case fled from the court premises moments after being declared guilty, triggering outrage and raising serious questions over police accountability.
The incident occurred on Monday inside the Special POCSO Court No. 2, where Judge Pradeep Kumar Ram convicted Jitendra Prasad for the rape of a 10-year-old girl under Sections 3/4 of the POCSO Act. The court immediately ordered that the accused be taken into judicial custody pending sentencing. However, before police personnel could secure him, the convict managed to escape from the courtroom.
The dramatic escape caused panic within the court complex, while on-duty police personnel reportedly failed to act in time, allowing the convicted offender to flee.
Crime Dates Back to 2017
According to prosecution records, the crime took place on August 4, 2017, in a village under the Jawan police station area. The accused allegedly lured the minor girl with food and took her to an under-construction house belonging to his uncle, where he committed the heinous crime.
The child’s screams alerted her family members, who rushed to the spot. The accused fled upon seeing them. The victim was immediately taken to the police station, and an FIR was registered. Medical examination later confirmed sexual assault.
Conviction but No Custody
Special Public Prosecutor Love Bansal stated that based on witness testimonies, medical evidence, and documents on record, the court found Jitendra Prasad guilty. His bail was cancelled upon conviction, and the court ordered his immediate detention.
However, in an embarrassing failure for law enforcement, the accused escaped before being formally taken into custody.
Police Launch Manhunt
Following the escape, senior police officials ordered an intensive manhunt. Raids are being conducted at possible hideouts, and teams have been dispatched to neighboring districts.
Officials confirmed that sentencing will take place only after the accused is re-arrested.
Serious Questions Raised
The incident has sparked strong criticism over courtroom security and police negligence, especially in sensitive POCSO cases. Legal experts and civil rights groups have demanded strict action against the personnel responsible for the lapse.
Authorities have assured that responsibility will be fixed and disciplinary action will follow after an internal inquiry.
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