Chakan South Police Station accused escape case raises serious questions as police claim notice-based release in a PITA case.
By Sanjay Prasad
Pimpri-Chinchwad
A serious controversy has emerged surrounding the Chakan South Police Station after an accused arrested under the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act (PITA) allegedly escaped from police custody or was deliberately released.
According to available information, the Crime Branch had conducted a raid at a тАЬSeven Star Family Spa,тАЭ located just 50 meters from the police station. During the operation, one man and one woman were arrested under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Sections 143(2), (3), (5) and the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956 (Sections 3, 4, 5, 7).
The main accused, identified as Gajanan Suryavanshi, who is reportedly the owner of the spa, was taken into custody on charges related to prostitution and human trafficking activities. He was later handed over to Chakan South Police Station.
However, in a shocking turn of events, the accused allegedly escaped from police custody late at night due to negligence on the part of police officials. The matter came to light the next morning, reportedly causing panic among the officers.
In response, the police have claimed that the accused did not escape but was released after being served a notice. This explanation, however, has raised serious doubts.
Legal experts argue that in cases registered under PITA where the punishment can extend up to 10 years there is generally no provision for releasing the accused merely on notice, especially without producing him before a court.
The incident has now raised serious questions about the conduct of Senior Inspector Sanjay Solanki and other officials at the police station. Critics point out that an illegal prostitution racket was operating right under the nose of the police, and yet no prior action was taken. Now, with the accused no longer in custody, the explanation provided by the police is being widely questioned.
When contacted, the local DCP stated:
тАЬThe accused was released after issuing a notice. This falls under the authority of the Investigating Officer.тАЭ
Despite this clarification, concerns remain about procedural lapses and possible misconduct. Senior officers have reportedly taken note of the incident, and there is growing public demand for strict action against responsible officers if any wrongdoing is established.
