Bulandshahr: A 45-year-old man accused of raping a 22-year-old woman escaped from police custody in Ahmedgarh village after allegedly pushing a constable and receiving support from local residents, including the gram pradhan. The incident took place on September 4, prompting police to register cases against over 30 people for aiding his escape.

Accused fled during arrest attempt

The accused, identified as Mohd Afzal of Chehla village, had been booked on August 28 for allegedly raping a woman on the pretext of marriage. He had since been evading arrest by hiding in houses around the locality.

On September 4, two constables in plain clothes cornered Afzal inside a house. However, as they tried to bring him out, villagers reportedly confronted the police team. “Afzal pushed one of the constables, leapt off the terrace, and managed to flee,” SHO Premchand Sharma said.

Police said villagers not only shielded Afzal but also placed a tractor across a narrow road to block the team’s movement, giving him time to escape. A video of the incident, which has surfaced online, shows Afzal shoving a constable before running away.

FIR against villagers, including gram pradhan

Following the escape, police booked 12 named persons, including gram pradhan Mohd Rouf, and 15–20 unidentified villagers under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for assaulting and obstructing public servants.

Bulandshahr SSP Dinesh Kumar Singh confirmed that multiple teams have been deployed to trace Afzal. “We are investigating both the rape case and the circumstances of his escape. Strict action will be taken against those who helped him,” he said.

Villagers’ defence

Some villagers, however, claimed that the incident was a result of confusion. Adil Ali Khan, a local resident, said: “The constables were in plainclothes, and some thought they were intruders. In the chaos, Afzal fled. We will cooperate with the probe, but innocent villagers should not be harassed.”

Police officials countered the claim, stating that the constables were posted at the local outpost and were known to several residents.

Ongoing probe

Police are continuing their search for Afzal, who has been on the run since the incident. Officials reiterated that both the rape case investigation and the probe into the escape will be pursued simultaneously.