Five cops suspended after criminal escapes

Ujjain, MP, Sep 24 (UNI) Five police personnel have been suspended in the wake of a former Chaddi Baniyan gang key member and prime accused in more than half-a-dozen murders, escaping from custody while being brought back to the Central Jail here after a hearing in this division's Shajapur.

Ganesh alias Guniya, who hailed from tribal-dominated Jhabua and was already convicted in more than one case, escaped last night at Nainavad Valley -- 7 km from Shajapur -- along the Agra-Mumbai National Highway.

''The personnel were in the vehicle with nine undertrials. Ganesh escaped under the pretext of attending a call of nature,'' said CSP Rajesh Mishra. SP Jaideep Prasad ordered an inquiry.

The Chaddi Baniyan gang operates in Malwa region. Ujjain Police arrested more than two dozen members a couple of years back. Ganesh stands accused in more than 40 dacoities and seven murders. Two police teams are searching for him.

UNI XC-AC 1847