A notorious criminal escaped police custody while being taken to the court, on Saturday evening. The police have since launched a manhunt to locate him, but he remains at large. The accused, identified as Piyush Verma (18), is a resident of Chankapur mines and has a history of criminal activities, including multiple cases of theft and assault. According to police, Verma was arrested late Friday night in Chankapur area, where police officials recovered a firearm (Desi Katta) from him. Following his arrest, the police registered a case under the provisions of the Indian Arms Act and brought him to the police station. Around 4.30 pm on Saturday when Verma was taken out of the lockup, he made a swift escape. As the Investigation Officer was engrossed in paperwork related to his court appearance, Verma managed to free his hand from the handcuffs.

 

Eyewitnesses reported that he calmly walked away out of the police station before officers could react. Police personnel on duty immediately noticed his absence and initiated a pursuit, but Verma had already outsmarted them. Currently, he remains at large. Khaparkheda Police have registered an additional offense against Verma for escaping custody. The police have launched extensive searches in the area.