Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai

Mumbai, May 24: Two Mumbai police constables were suspended after they allegedly allowed an undertrial to briefly escape custody and confront a Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) leader, officials confirmed on Friday.

Constables Amol Sarkale and Sandeep Suryawanshi, attached to the Local Arms Division (LA-2, Tardeo), were responsible for escorting undertrial Imran Zaharul Khan, lodged at Arthur Road Central Prison, for a court appearance on May 16.

Shockingly, after his session at the court, Khan managed to slip away from the escort team and visit the Jacob Circle office of MNS leader Amit Matkar. With his face covered by a handkerchief, Khan allegedly threatened and abused Matkar before returning to the custody of the police team, which then took him back to jail.

Khan, arrested in December 2024 by the Crime Branch in connection with the smuggling of 40 kg of cannabis, remains in custody under the NDPS Act.

Matkar filed a complaint with Agripada Police on May 22, submitting CCTV footage from outside his office. A non-cognizable (NC) offence was registered.

Following the complaint, senior police officers from the armed division took swift action, suspending both constables. “Such negligence tarnishes the image of the Mumbai Police. This behaviour is unacceptable in a disciplined force,” a senior officer said. An inquiry is currently underway.