Prisoners bolt after spiking cops’ food, arrested

Seven Navi Mumbai police personnel, including a sub-inspector, were taken for a ride by two prisoners, who gave them the slip after spiking their dinner.

On December 3, the two prisoners took the policemen to their residences in Hardev Nagar in the Capital, after they were produced in the Delhi Magistrate Court.

"It's embarrassing for all of us," Ashok Morare, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Headquarters), said. The seven policemen report to Morare. Additional Commissioner of Police (Navi Mumbai) Fatte Singh Patil on Friday evening issued their suspension orders for dereliction of duty and colluding to help the two prisoners escape custody.

"We believe their food was spiked at the houses (of the prisoners, Gurcharan Singh Chahel and Sumit Narula). The policemen told their Delhi Police counterparts that they felt drowsy after eating something at the house," Patil said. A Crime Branch investigation has been initiated.

The seven policemen were arrested by the Delhi Police and booked under IPC Sections 232 (custody negligently suffered by public servant) and 34 (criminal act done by several persons in furtherance of common intention) on December 4. The two prisoners were later arrested by the Delhi Police.

Sub-inspector P V Kale and six constables were released on bail on Friday. It is learnt that they confessed to taking the two to their Hardev Nagar residence. They had allowed relatives to speak to the prisoners on court premises.

Chahel and Narula, wanted in several cases in the Capital and Mumbai, were escorted by the personnel on December 2 for an appearance at the Delhi Magistrate Court. The escort team had picked up the two from Taloja Jail, Navi Mumbai, on December 2, and completed formalities relating to the court appearance the next day.

"They will remain suspended till headquarters completes its inquiry is completed and stringent departmental action taken. The suspension order is dated from the day of the arrest," Patil said.

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