Nine Pune Police Officers Suspended in Wake of Drug Trafficker’s Escape from Sassoon Hospital
Mubarak Ansari
Pune, 3rd October 2023: A woman police sub inspector (PSI) and eight policemen from the Pune City Police, have been suspended for dereliction of duty following the escape of Lalit Anil Patil, a drug trafficker undergoing treatment at Sassoon Hospital. The incident has sparked widespread concern and is currently under investigation.
Two days ago, drugs worth Rs 2.14 crore were seized at the gate of Sassoon Hospital by the crime branch police. Following this, Lalit Anil Patil, who was undergoing treatment at the hospital, managed to escape, causing a stir in Pune. CCTV footage capturing Patil’s escape has gone viral, intensifying the scrutiny on the police force’s handling of the case.
The suspensions were ordered by Additional Commissioner of Police (Administration) Arvind Chawariya and Deputy Commissioner of Police Rohidas Pawar. Those suspended for derliction of duty in the drugs case include ASI Ramesh Janardan Kamble, Constables Vishal Baburao Tople, Swapnil Chintaman Shinde and Digambar Vijay Chandanashiv. And those suspended for negligence resulting in escape of the accused are Police Sub-Inspector Mohini Avinash Dongre, Head Constable Adesh Sitaram Shivanka, Police Naik Natharam Bharat Kale, Constables Pirappa Dattu Bansode and Amit Suresh Jadhav.
According to officials, while the suspensions indicate accountability, they also raise questions about the police force’s overall conduct. Lalit Patil had been receiving visits from several police officers during his stay at Sassoon, the purpose of which remains unclear. A thorough investigation is underway to ascertain the extent of their involvement.
The incident has also drawn attention to the treatment of high-profile criminals in custody. Many such individuals at Sassoon Hospital have access to various facilities, including mobile phones and laptops, raising questions about the laxity in security measures.
The escape of Lalit Anil Patil has not only led to immediate suspensions but has also raised serious questions about the Pune Police Force’s procedures and ethics.
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