Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP), who is in-charge of the SC/ST cell in the district police, has been appointed inquiry officer and asked to submit the report within a fortnight.

Talking to Express Newsline, Singh said the matter was serious and he would deal sternly with the police personnel deployed to keep a watch over him.

According to LCB sources, Farooq, a resident of Panchmahals district, had been caught by LCB sleuths after being tipped off by the Pandu police of the district. Farooq, during interrogations before escaping, had admitted to being involved in eight cases of theft.

The sources said Farooq was kept in LCB custody for more than five days and interrogated before being taken on in police remand. However, he managed to escape.

The role of some individuals in LCB has come under cloud following the thief's escape.