Negligence / Two Police Personnel Suspended After Accused Escapes From Mahila Police Station in Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar, Aug 4: Two police personnel, including an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI), have been suspended after an accused escaped from the Mahila Police Station in Bhubaneswar while in police custody, a source said Tuesday.

Bhubaneswar DCP Jagmohan Meena ordered the suspension of the sentry on duty and ASI Tilottama Prusty, who was serving as the Duty Constable Officer (DCO) at the Mahila Police Station when the incident took place on July 31. A preliminary inquiry found negligence on the part of both officials.

Accused Escaped While Being Served Breakfast
The absconding accused was identified as Rudra Prasad Sutar (25), son of Krushna Chandra Sutar, a resident under Sabarang Police Station in Bhadrak district.

Police had arrested Rudra on July 30 in connection with a case involving allegations of rape on the false promise of marriage and brought him to the Mahila Police Station the same day.

According to police, on the morning of July 31, ASI Prusty had briefly gone to the bathroom while the sentry was serving breakfast to the accused. Rudra allegedly seized the opportunity, pushed the sentry aside and ran out of the police station before fleeing the area.

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FIR Registered, Search Continues
Following the escape, ASI Tilottama Prusty lodged an FIR at Capital Police Station, based on which a case was registered and a manhunt was launched.

Police teams are continuing efforts to trace and apprehend the absconding accused.

Negligence Led To Suspension
The Commissionerate Police had initially issued show-cause notices to the personnel on duty. However, after the preliminary inquiry confirmed negligence, DCP Jagmohan Meena ordered the suspension of both the sentry and ASI Tilottama Prusty pending further departmental proceedings.

It can be mentioned here that a sentry in a police station is a designated police constable posted at the entrance to maintain security, control visitor access, and protect the facility.