Thane: The Thane police failed to trace a 32-year-old undertrial accused of raping and murdering a six-year-old girl in Bhiwandi in 2023, who escaped from police escort custody on Monday (after one day). Despite an intensive manhunt, he remained untraceable as of Tuesday evening.
Accused Escapes After Bhiwandi Court Hearing
The accused, Salamat Ali Ansari, fled while being escorted by a Thane police team after a court appearance in Bhiwandi.
Six Police Officers, Van Driver Face Action for Lapse
There was significant negligence by the escort team, which included six police personnel and one police van driver. Senior Police Inspector Vinayak Gaikwad confirmed that six teams were formed to track down the fugitive.
Thane Police Form Six Teams, Alert Bihar Cops
"Two teams are scanning CCTV footage near the court and nearby areas. Another two teams are working with local informants and patrolling railway stations and key locations in Bhiwandi. The remaining two teams have alerted the Bihar police,” said Gaikwad.
Checkpoints at 12 Spots, Searches at Six Railway Stations
DCP Shashikant Borate from the Bhiwandi Division told FPJ that checkpoints (naka bandis) were set up at 12 locations, and search operations were conducted at six railway stations: Kalyan, Mumbra, Kalwa, Thane, Ulhasnagar, and Ambernath. He added, “We have also alerted police departments in other states.”
Thane police sources stated that disciplinary action will be taken against the escort team for their negligence.
According to police sources, Ansari was lodged at Thane Central Jail and brought to Bhiwandi court for a scheduled hearing. He arrived at the court premises at 11 AM and was produced before the sessions court around 1 PM.
After his appearance, he was escorted back toward the police van when he managed to escape from the court premises, still under police watch. Despite an immediate chase, the team failed to apprehend him.
Fresh FIR Registered Under BNSS for Escape
Ansari was arrested from Bihar for the rape and murder of a six-year-old girl. He faces charges under murder and relevant sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. A fresh FIR has now been registered under Section 262 of the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) for escaping from lawful custody.
