Nagpur: An Odisha resident arrested by a Gujarat Police team in connection with a cheque bounce case under the Negotiable Instruments (NI) Act escaped from police custody while the escort team was taking a break at a hotel in Nagpur. Tehsil Police have registered a case and launched a search for the absconding accused.

The accused has been identified as Amit Das Bakimdas (46), a resident of Dangarpada near Chandni Post Office in Cuttack, Odisha.

According to the FIR, Police Sub-Inspector Himmatbhai Jinjala of ‘A’ Division Police Station, Rajkot City (Gujarat), was executing a non-bailable warrant (No. 6587) issued by the Judicial First Class Magistrate (Municipal), Rajkot, in a case under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act.

The Gujarat Police team, comprising PSI Jinjala along with Police Head Constable Jitendrakumar Kalubhai Chavhan and Police Constable Pradipbhai Aydanbhai Bhangar, had travelled to Odisha, arrested the accused, and was transporting him to Gujarat in a private taxi.

On July 14, at around 4 pm, the police team halted at India Sons Hotel, located near Bhavsar Chowk on CA Road under the jurisdiction of Tehsil Police Station, for a short break to freshen up.

Police said the PSI stayed in one room, while the accused was kept in another room with the two escort personnel. During this time, one constable went to freshen up, while the other, who was guarding the accused, allegedly fell asleep. Taking advantage of the situation, the accused escaped from the hotel.

Despite an immediate search, the accused could not be traced. Based on the complaint lodged by the Gujarat Police officer, Tehsil Police registered an offence under Section 262 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for escaping from lawful custody.

A search has been launched to trace the absconding accused, and further investigation is underway.