In a startling incident, a man convicted of repeatedly raping a minor managed to escape from the Gandhinagar Special POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) Court shortly after being sentenced to 20 years in prison. This incident occurred around 1:30 PM on a typical day in court, raising serious concerns about security measures in place.
The convict, identified as Lala Dangi, is a 35-year-old labourer from Dahod. He was found guilty of raping a 15-year-old girl, fully aware that she was underage. The court’s verdict included 20 years of rigorous imprisonment under IPC Section 376 and POCSO Act Section 4, along with fines totalling ₹30,000. Additional sentences included one year under IPC Section 363 and three years under IPC Section 366, each carrying fines as well.
The court also directed the District Legal Services Authority to provide ₹4 lakh in compensation to the victim, acknowledging the severe impact of the crime on her life. Just minutes after the sentence was pronounced, Dangi jumped from the dock and fled the courtroom, escaping police who were stationed nearby.
This escape has sparked outrage among legal experts and community members. Many are questioning how a person convicted of such a serious crime could slip away so easily. “This is an unacceptable breach of security. How can a man convicted of such a heinous crime walk out of a courtroom?” said a senior legal activist, highlighting the need for accountability in court security.
Concerns about court security are not new. Last September, an armed individual entered the Gandhinagar court campus, prompting a review of security protocols. Police had increased their presence at the court gates, including deploying a sub-inspector and additional officers for protection. Despite these measures, Dangi managed to evade capture, leading to serious questions about the effectiveness of current security arrangements.
In response to the escape, police have launched a full-scale manhunt to locate Dangi. They are reviewing CCTV footage and coordinating with nearby police stations to track his movements. A senior police officer assured the public that they were committed to capturing Dangi quickly. However, he also noted that disciplinary action may follow against security staff if negligence is proven.
The incident has led to fears among local residents, who worry about the safety of their community. Many believe that stricter security measures should be implemented in courts to prevent such incidents from happening in the future.
As the investigation unfolds, the focus will be on ensuring the safety of the victim and the community while also holding those responsible for the security lapse accountable. The police have urged the public to report any sightings of Dangi, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in law enforcement efforts.
This incident underscores the broader issues of security and accountability within the judicial system. As the manhunt continues, many hope for a swift resolution to this troubling case. The community is eager to see justice served, not only for the victim but also in ensuring that such lapses do not happen again in the future.