Pune: Rape-accused escapes as four police officers 'guard his ward'
What's the story
In a rather strange incident, a 21-year-old prisoner, accused of raping a minor in 2015, escaped 'watchful' eyes of four Pune police officers.
Akshay Lonare was admitted to Sassoon Hospital's Ward 26, which is for mentally ill patients, on Friday.
Two police officers guarding his ward went for a tea-break, the third was visiting a washroom, and the last man standing was apparently not paying attention.
How he escaped
Despite being tied to bed with handcuffs, Lonare fled
Lonare broke free from handcuffs that tied him to a bed at around 8:30 AM on Sunday morning.
When the guards realized Lonare was missing, they searched the hospital premises and later informed senior officials.
Sub-inspector Tushar Pachpute said, "We are looking into footage from security cameras on the hospital premises as well as those from outside to nab Lonare."
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Commissioner promises strict action if policemen found negligent
"An inquiry has been initiated against the four on-duty policemen. We will ascertain whether it was negligence or connivance on the part of these men. The inquiry report is awaited and strongest possible action will follow," said Sheshrao Suryavanshi, deputy commissioner of police.
Prison-break
Undertrials have used Sassoon hospital as exit pass many times
The Sassoon hospital turns out to be the favorite for prisoners to plan their exit.
For example, in August 2011, sandalwood smugglers Subhash Gore and Dagdu Bhosale escaped from the hospital, only to be re-arrested a month later.
In October of the same year, Vinod Lakhan, who was facing trial for duping 300 women, escaped as two policemen guarded him.