Khowai 1 November, 2024: In a dramatic turn of events during Diwali evening, two remand prisoners managed to escape police custody in Khowai, Tripura, only to be recaptured after an intensive search operation. The escape occurred while police were transporting the detainees for a medical checkup at the Khowai District Hospital.
According to reports, three police officers were assigned to take the detainees Badal Munda, Bachan Munda, and Rajesh Jhora for routine medical assessments. While en route, Badal and Bachan Munda seized an opportunity to escape by pushing a security guard and opening the door of the police vehicle. The sudden incident left the officers scrambling, and both detainees fled into the surrounding area.
Upon receiving news of the escape, Officer-in-Charge of Khowai Police Station Subir Malakar, along with Sub-Divisional Police Officer Rangdulal Debbarma and Second Officer Jugal Tripura, launched an immediate search operation.
The search, which extended through the night of Kali Puja, saw multiple police teams combing the area and enlisting local informants in an attempt to locate the fugitives.
Finally, on Friday afternoon, the police successfully recaptured the escapees in Dhalabil Colony’s Das Para area. The Officer-in-Charge stated that these individuals, along with one other male and a female, had initially been arrested on October 26 for their involvement in a series of thefts. The police had also seized a significant amount of stolen property at the time of their arrest.
Both Badal and Bachan Munda were on a seven-day remand to assist further investigations. Following their escape and subsequent recapture, the police have registered additional charges against them, ensuring stricter protocols to prevent such incidents in the future.
The Khowai Police Department has commended the swift and coordinated efforts of the officers involved in bringing the fugitives back into custody. This case, however, raises questions regarding transportation and security protocols for high-risk detainees, prompting a review to safeguard against similar incidents.
