Bhopal: A dramatic standoff unfolded in Madhya Pradesh’s Sagar district on Saturday after a 43-year-old undertrial, facing charges of rape and under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, escaped police custody and climbed onto the roof of a police residential building, threatening to jump unless he was paid ₹50,000.
The incident began after the accused, identified as Ghoshi, was brought from jail to the Sagar district court for a scheduled hearing. Following the court appearance, he managed to give the escorting officers the slip while being taken back to the lock-up, triggering a frantic search by police.
He was soon spotted on the rooftop of a police quarters building, about 500 metres from the court. From there, he shouted demands for ₹50,000 and threatened to take his own life if they weren’t met.
Eyewitnesses said traffic in the area came to a standstill as crowds gathered to watch the incident unfold.
Police negotiators engaged him in conversation for nearly an hour, attempting to calm him down and prevent any rash action. “We kept him talking to ensure he didn’t harm himself. Finally, a team climbed up from the rear of the building and managed to grab him when he was distracted,” said an officer present at the scene.
Ghoshi was safely taken back into custody. Police have now registered an additional case against him for escaping lawful custody.
