Daijiworld Media Network - Thane

Thane, Feb 2: A theft case accused escaped from police custody at a police station in Maharashtra’s Thane district on Sunday morning, triggering a search operation and an internal inquiry.

According to police, the incident occurred at the Navghar police station when the accused, Abdul Wajidli Maniyar, a resident of Azad Nagar in the Bhayander area, managed to flee from the lock-up around 9.19 am. Maniyar had been arrested late Saturday night in connection with a theft reported at a house in the Navghar locality.

A police official said the escape took place while routine cleaning of the police station premises was underway. Taking advantage of the situation, the accused fled from custody.

Police teams have launched a search to trace Maniyar, and efforts are on to nab him at the earliest. Meanwhile, the circumstances under which the accused managed to escape are being examined.

An inquiry has been initiated to ascertain whether there was any lapse in security or negligence in supervision on the part of the police personnel on duty at the time of the incident, the official added.