MP undertrial escapes cop custody, threatens to jump off building if not paid 50k

BHOPAL: High drama unfolded in Sagar district Saturday after an undertrial, charged with rape and under SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, escaped police custody and climbed onto the roof of police residential quarters, threatening to jump off unless he is paid Rs 50,000.

The stand-off lasted nearly an hour before police managed to talk him down and take him back into custody. Police said the undertrial, Ranjit Ghoshi , 43, was brought from jail to Sagar district court for a scheduled hearing. However, after his appearance, Ghoshi managed to slip away while being escorted back to the lock-up, leading to a frantic chase by police.

He was soon spotted atop the police quarters, about half a kilometre from the court, demanding Rs 50,000 and threatening to jump off the building if his demand wasn't met. Witnesses said traffic came to a standstill as locals rushed to witness the spectacle.

Police engaged Ghoshi in conversation for nearly an hour. "We kept him talking to ensure he didn't harm himself. Finally, a team climbed up from the rear of the building and caught him off-guard," an officer present at the scene said.

Police registered a fresh case against the accused for escaping from custody.