MCOCA accused escapes police guard from Nagpur hospital

An accused lodged in jail in an MCOCA (Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act) case in Nagpur, Shaikh Sameer Shaikh Rahim, gave police the slip and escaped from the Government Medical College and Hospital, known as Medical, on Saturday morning. Sameer had been admitted to Medical from jail just two days earlier for treatment. He broke the glass window of a toilet on the first floor, jumped onto a ledge, climbed down from there and fled the hospital.

The incident came to light around 10:30 am. News that an accused in a serious case like MCOCA had escaped police guard caused a stir in the police department. According to information received, action was taken against accused Sameer under MCOCA in a gang war case that fell within the jurisdiction of Khaprikheda police station, and he was in jail for this reason.

He was admitted to Medical on September 17 for treatment of a lump on his face and stomach. He was undergoing treatment in ward number 10 on the first floor. Police personnel had been deployed from police headquarters for his security. Despite this, around 10:30 am on Saturday, Sameer went to the toilet and, seizing the opportunity, broke the window and escaped.

Footage from CCTV cameras in the Medical premises and surrounding areas is being examined. Police may also investigate Sameer's activities in the hospital, people who came to meet him, and those who were in contact with him. Investigation is also underway into whether Sameer had prepared in advance to escape or took advantage of a lapse in the hospital's security.

According to information, Sameer faces 7 cases at Naveen Kamptee police station, 4 at Kalamna, and one each at Ganeshpeth, Tehsil, Nandanvan and Khaprikheda police stations. These include a total of 16 cases related to robbery, extortion, illegal possession of weapons and gang war.

The incident of Sameer breaking the toilet window and escaping from the first-floor ledge has raised questions about the hospital's security arrangements. Police are investigating the matter, and departmental action may be taken against those found responsible if negligence is established.