SHILLONG: An under-trial prisoner — Suresh Chettri (39) — sustained bullet injuries here on Monday after police were forced to shoot at him while he was attempting to make good his escape before being produced in a court.
The incident happened when Chettri along with the 28 other UTPs was brought for production before the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM). He escaped while alighting from the vehicle ferrying the UTPs to the court.
Later, talking to newsmen, Vivek Syiem, SP (City), said the UTP, allegedly involved in burglary and theft cases, was recaptured by police after a hot chase, during which they had to resort to blank firing, including 10 to 11 blank shots.
As the UTP disregarded the warnings, police personnel were forced to fire at his leg, after which they re-captured him. Chettri was later admitted to the Shillong Civil Hospital for treatment.
“There are three cases — two in Sadar Police Station and one in Rynjah police station — registered against him (Chettri),” Syiem said.
Chetri was first arrested in 2009 in a robbery case, the second arrest was made in October last year for burglary and then on December last year in connection with a theft case.
Syiem said that police are taking up a case under escape from lawful custody against Chettri.
A police official who was in the escort team said Chettri escaped because the law prohibits the use of handcuff on UTP.
