The Tribune, January 3, 2003

Undertrials’ bid to escape
Our Correspondent

Fatehabad, January 2
The police today thwarted an escape attempt by three undertrials near Baropal village in this district. The accused were caught within one hour of their escape by firing on their legs. Three policemen and a civilian were also injured in the process.

According to reports, a police van was transporting undertrials from the Hisar jail to Sirsa for their appearance in a court. When the van reached near Baropal on its return journey, two youths on a motorcycle intercepted it. As the vehicle slowed down, they attacked the van. Three undertrials in the van, later identified as Makhan and Manoj of Baragura village in Sirsa and Tarsem, a resident of Punjab, escaped from the van after putting chilli powder in the eyes of the cops. The youths on the bike handed over a knife and a countrymade pistol to the accused. The SP, Mr K.K. Rao, led the chase in the fields between Mohamadpur Rohi village and the Baropal canal. The accused attacked a farmer and three cops with a knife and tried to give the police the slip again. All three undertrials were brought to the local general hospital under security for treatment. They are all hardcore criminals, facing more than 20 cases of murder and dacoity.