Murder suspect escapes from Faisalabad lock-up

A murder suspect identified as Sufyan escaped from a police lock-up in Faisalabad after allegedly finding the door unlocked. Three police officials were detained, suspended and booked over alleged negligence.

FAISALABAD: A man arrested in a murder case escaped from police custody in Faisalabad, leading authorities to detain three police personnel and begin legal action over alleged negligence.

Police said the suspect, identified as Sufyan and described as a resident of Chak 66-GB, had been taken into custody by Saddar Jaranwala Police in connection with a murder case. After police obtained his physical remand from a court, he was placed in the lock-up.

According to police, the suspect later managed to flee after allegedly finding the lock-up door unlocked. The escape prompted an immediate response from senior officers.

Police said the SP and DSP Jaranwala reached the scene after receiving information about the incident and initiated action. Three officials who were on duty at the time were taken into custody over alleged negligence.

The detained officials were identified as Moharrar Shahid Iqbal, Assistant Moharrar Arshad, and sentry constable Meraj Din. Police registered a case against them under relevant provisions of the Police Order 2002 as well as Sections 223 and 224 of the Pakistan Penal Code, which relate to escape from lawful custody.

Inquiry ordered after incident

City Police Officer Sahibzada Bilal Umar took notice of the escape and suspended the officials involved, police said. He also ordered a regular inquiry into the matter.

The incident has raised questions about security arrangements at the police lock-up where the suspect had been kept following his remand in the murder case. Police have formally moved against the officials assigned to duty at the time of the escape.

Authorities have not only detained the three personnel but also initiated legal proceedings under the applicable laws cited in the case. The action followed the suspect’s escape from lawful custody after he had been lodged in the lock-up by Saddar Jaranwala Police.

Police said the suspect had been under custody in connection with a murder investigation before he escaped. The matter is now subject to a departmental and legal process after the City Police Officer ordered an inquiry and suspended the officials concerned.