2 dacoits flee from police custody

Banda, Mar 22 (UNI) Two notorious inter-state dacoits were freed by their aides from police custody on the Banda-Panna highway here today.

Sources said Pappu Yadav and his brother Vijay were coming from Panna (Madhya Pradesh) after a court hearing under police custody.

They were intercepted by their gang members near Ajaygarh town, who rescued the duo and escaped.

Some police escorts were also wounded and their service rifles taken away by the criminals.

DIG Chandrika Rai said Pappu's name spelled terror in Banda and Chitrakoot districts of Uttar Pradesh and Satna and Panna districts of MP.

About 24 cases are registered against Pappu. He is also accused of murdering nine pilgrims.

Meanwhile, senior cops had rushed to the spot.

UNI XC-VS RS SHR BD2142