Rohini Jail Undertrial Recaptured After Escaping From Delhi Hospital Washroom
A 26-year-old undertrial prisoner previously lodged in Central Jail, Rohini, has been rearrested in Himachal Pradesh within 48 hours of escaping from police custody at G.B. Pant Hospital in Delhi.
The accused, identified as Pawan Bhalla, is a resident of Budh Vihar in northwest Delhi. Bhalla had been arrested on June 15 in Rohini for allegedly carrying a button-actuated knife, an offence under Section 25 of the Arms Act, and was subsequently remanded to judicial custody in Rohini.
According to the police, Bhalla consumed an unknown substance while in prison on June 24. He was initially admitted to Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar Hospital in a drowsy condition after complaining of vomiting blood. He was later referred to G.B. Pant Hospital for specialized treatment.
On June 26 at approximately 6:45 p.m., Bhalla requested permission to use the hospital washroom. He then escaped through a ventilation opening. Despite immediate search efforts by the escorting police staff, he could not be found at the time.
Following his escape, a case was registered against him for escaping from lawful custody. A dedicated police team was formed to track him down. By utilizing technical surveillance and human intelligence, the police successfully traced Bhalla to Una, Himachal Pradesh, where he was arrested within two days.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Aditya Gautam stated that the accused had planned his escape in advance. Bhalla waited for an opportunity and escaped through the washroom ventilation opening with calculated precision.
During police questioning, Bhalla disclosed that he traveled from the hospital to the Old Delhi Railway Station, where he boarded a train to Una. Once in Himachal Pradesh, he stayed with a former associate and worked at a local warehouse to avoid detection by the authorities.
Police records show that Bhalla has prior involvement in three other criminal cases, including a burglary in 2023. He had previously worked as a helper in a DJ setup and as a labourer in Himachal Pradesh.
