Team Goemkarponn
Merces: The Court of the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) at Merces has ordered the framing of charges against Siddiqui @ Suleman Khan in connection with the daring escape from the Crime Branch Police Station lock-up on December 13, 2024, holding that there is sufficient prima facie material to proceed with a trial.
Along with Siddiqui, the court has also directed framing of charges against dismissed IRB constable Amit Naik and Hazrat Saab Bavannavar, observing that the material on record indicates a criminal conspiracy resulting in Siddiqui’s escape from lawful custody and subsequent harbouring.
In its order, the CJM noted that the prosecution has placed adequate evidence to show that Siddiqui did not accidentally walk out of custody, but was allegedly facilitated in his escape. The court held that the allegations disclose offences of conspiracy, escape from lawful custody and harbouring of an offender, warranting a full-fledged trial.
Siddiqui had sought discharge from the case, contending that he had no intention to abscond and had later surrendered voluntarily. He further argued that he believed he was being taken “officially” for investigation and claimed that he could not be said to have escaped as he was removed from the lock-up by a police officer.
The court, however, rejected these arguments, observing that CCTV footage from the Crime Branch Police Station and statements of independent witnesses, including a rickshaw driver, prima facie contradicted Siddiqui’s version and supported the prosecution case.
As per the order, Siddiqui @ Suleman Khan will face charges for criminal conspiracy and escape from lawful custody. Dismissed IRB constable Amit Naik will be tried for offences relating to a public servant allowing an escape and for harbouring an offender, while Hazrat Saab Bavannavar will face charges for harbouring and concealing an offender.
With the framing of charges, the case will now proceed to trial, where the prosecution will seek to establish the role of each accused in the alleged escape from police custody.
