Delhi: Inmate flees as aides blind police with chilli powder

Four men threw chilli powder at policemen and freed their jailed associate being taken to a prison van after a health check-up at a government medical college in central Delhi on Monday. They managed to escape after a shootout.

The cops who were escorting the prisoner have been suspended. The city has been put on high alert and vigil at border areas, Railway stations, bus terminals and airports has been tightened. Sandeep alias Dhillu had been arrested in 2015 on charges of murder and assault.

It was around 11 am when the escapee — a high-risk under-trial prisoner and a suspected member of the infamous Neeraj Bawana gang — was brought to Maulana Azad Medical College (MAMC) for a dental check-up.

He had been referred by doctors of Mandoli Jail, where he has been lodged for two years. Three cops — Assistant Sub Inspectors Brij Mohan and Naresh Pal Yadav and Head Constable Yogendra — were escorting Dhillu to the hospital.

"At MAMC, while Mohan and Yogendra took Dhillu to a doctor, Pal waited in the vehicle outside. Around 11.30 am when the two cops stepped out of the hospital and were heading towards the vehicle, four men came on two motorcycles and threw chilli powder at Mohan and Yogendra," said a police officer.

Dhillu got himself free of their hold and fled towards one of the bikes. As passersby tried to intervene, the two men on bike flashed arms and opened fire, warning of dire consequences.

"The policemen opened fire as ASI Pal also joined the two cops. At least seven rounds were fired, four of which by the police. However, they managed to flee," the officer said.

"Efforts to nab the escapee are being made. CCTV footage is being checked. A special team has been formed to trace his movements, and strong leads have been collected. Raids are being conducted at their possible hideouts," an officer said.

FREE BIRD AGAIN

• Sandeep alias Dhillu was arrested in 2015 for murder and assault; he is also a suspected member of Neeraj Bawana gang
• He escaped when he was brought to Maulana Azad Medical College for a dental check-up on Monday