Raipur’s district court turned into a scene of frenzy Thursday when two accused in grave criminal cases escaped police custody during their court appearance. Rajesh Markandey and Tularam Markandey, lodged in Raipur Central Jail on attempted murder charges, exploited a brief security oversight to flee.
The escape unfolded smoothly inside the court complex. Placed under minimal supervision by a clerk, the prisoners darted away during transit within the premises, handcuffs notwithstanding.
Panic gripped the area as alarms wailed and personnel mobilized. Witnesses recounted how the men evaded constables, blending into the crowd before slipping out entirely.
Police response was swift and sweeping. Top brass arrived posthaste, deploying extensive resources for a citywide dragnet. Special squads scoured potential shelters, while barriers blocked major thoroughfares and transport hubs.
Neighboring regions received immediate warnings, with operations targeting known contacts. This breach revives concerns over recurrent failures in custodial safeguards across Chhattisgarh’s justice infrastructure.
Investigators probe the exact sequence of the lapse—whether through physical confrontation or clever deception. As night falls, the hunt persists relentlessly, with every lead pursued.
The episode underscores deeper issues: understaffing, procedural gaps, and inadequate training. Lawmakers and activists demand a thorough audit, arguing that such incidents jeopardize not just escapees but the rule of law itself.