Rohtak, Jul 31 (IExpress) : An undertrial prisoner managed to escape from the custody of Delhi Police after his associates raided a bus — in which he was being taken from Tihar Jail to Narwana in Haryana’s Jind — and threw chilli powder in the eyes of the policemen accompanying him.

The prisoner, identified as Jitender Singh alias Gogi, was being taken to a local court in Narwana, where he is facing trial in a murder case.

“The incident took place at 6.15 am, near Ganpati Dham on NH-10 in Bahadurgarh, Four policemen — one head constable and three constables — were taking Jitender to Narwana in a Haryana Roadways bus. Two armed policemen were in the rear seat and two were sitting with Gogi, who was handcuffed. Suddenly, two white cars intercepted the bus and forced it to stop,” said IGP (Rohtak Range) Sanjay Kumar.

A few men got down from the cars and boarded the bus, said police. While one of them snatched the keys from the driver, others threatened the passengers with their pistols.

“They first pretended to be robbers and asked everyone to hand over their belongings. Suddenly, three of them flung red chilli powder in the eyes of the policemen,” said Kumar.

They pointed their pistols at the policemen and asked them to hand over Gogi. They also snatched a sophisticated MP5 sub-machine gun, along with 20 live cartridges, from the policemen, said the officer.

While they were trying to escape with Gogi, the policemen tried to stop them and this led to a scuffle. However, the prisoner and his associates managed to get away.

“They drove off towards Rohtak. The policemen opened fire but could not stop them,” said the officer.

One of the policemen informed the police control room and soon, local police arrived at the spot. The four policemen were taken to a nearby hospital, where they underwent a medical examination. They have also been questioned about the incident.

An internal inquiry has been initiated into the matter and a case has been registered at Bahadurgarh City police station. Special teams have been formed to track down Gogi and his associates, said the IGP.

Ashok Malik, deputy commissioner of police, 3rd Battalion, said a dozen associates of Gogi had boarded the bus. “They threw two kilograms of red chilli powder in the eyes of the policemen… and managed to rescue him,” he added.
However, when queried on why only four policemen were escorting Gogi, Malik declined to comment.

Gogi is suspected of being involved in 15 cases of murder, dacoity and robbery. He is from Alipur village, said police.