Watch: POCSO accused runs away from custody when police vehicle stops at petrol pump in Lakhimpur Kheri

Lakhimpur Kheri police confirmed that two policemen, who were shifting the accused, Hiralal, to Lakhimpur district jail on a bike, had stopped at a petrol pump for refuelling when the accused jumped off and escaped with handcuffs on.

In a video which has gone viral on social media, an accused booked under POCSO Act for allegedly attempting to rape a minor girl in Mitauli area in UP’s Lakhimpur Kheri district is seen running frantically to escape police custody while a policeman gives chase.

Lakhimpur Kheri police confirmed that two policemen, who were shifting the accused Hiralal to Lakhimpur district jail on a bike, had stopped at a petrol pump for refuelling when the accused jumped off and escaped with handcuffs on. Several police teams are now searching for the accused who was booked under section 354 (assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty) and relevant sections of the POCSO Act.

Condemning the incident, ASP Lakhimpur Kheri Arun Kumar Singh said: “Police force from three Police stations have been deployed and combing is being done. I believe we will catch him soon. A probe will be done, as far as the negligence of Police is concerned. Strict action will be taken against the guilty.”

Accused arrested

The Lakhimpur Kheri police today updated that the POCSO accused named Hiralal, who had fled yesterday from police custody near a petrol pump, has been arrested today. The police have also informed that an FIR has been registered against the constable and a Home Guard jawan who were bringing the accused in a motorcycle.