Patna: An undertrial prisoner accused in a Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (Pocso) case escaped from police custody during a court hearing in Samastipur district on Monday.Roshan alias Sajan (20), son of Vijay Singh and a resident of Nazirpur village under Ujiyarpur police station area, had been lodged in jail for nearly a year and was brought to the Samastipur court for a routine hearing. According to police, he fled after his handcuffs were removed inside the courtroom for the proceedings.Taking advantage of the brief lapse, Roshan allegedly dodged the escorting policemen and escaped from the court premises. Police said he disappeared into the crowd before personnel could react.Following the incident, Town SHO Ajit Kumar reached the court with his team and launched an investigation. Police cordoned off nearby areas and initiated a search operation, but the accused remained untraceable till late evening.Sadar SDPO Sanjay Kumar Pandey said Roshan had been arrested by Muffassil police about a year ago in a Pocso case and was awaiting trial. “He was brought to the court for a hearing when he escaped from police custody,” Pandey said.“Multiple police teams have been formed and raids are being conducted at possible hideouts to arrest the absconding accused,” he added.Town SHO Ajit Kumar said permission was being sought to examine CCTV footage from cameras installed in and around the court premises. “The footage will help determine the route taken by the accused and identify any security lapses,” he said.Police have also begun reviewing security arrangements at the court in the wake of the escape.
