File photo of Afzal Usmani
As the Mumbai Police tackles the embarrassment of the escape of suspected Indian Mujahideen operative Afzal Usmani from a crowded court in Mumbai on Friday, serious lapses have come to the fore that could have facilitated the escape of the man accused of serial bomb blasts in Gujarat in 2008 that killed 57 and injured nearly 200.
Usmani, 37, who was brought to the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) court along with 22 others from Taloja Central Jail in Navi Mumbai to hear the charges against him, managed to give the cops a slip. When the court assembled at 2.45 pm for the hearing, Usmani was missing.
The prisoners were allegedly allowed to mingle with relatives waiting outside the cramped court room. Police say Usmani may have disappeared then.
In a further indicator of lax security, it has now emerged that there are no Close Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras at the Sessions court, which also houses the MCOCA court which tries hardened criminals, including terrorists.
A probe has now been ordered into the incident that will be headed by an officer of the rank of a Deputy Commissioner of Police. Special teams have been formed in all 12 zones of the city to look for Usmani. Searches are being conducted at all taxi stands, bus depots and railway stations to nab him.
Cops are in the process of putting up pictures of the suspected terrorist across the city with appeals to public to report to the local police in the event of any information about him.
Meanwhile, two of the 10 officers who were escorting the prisoners have been suspended; sources say more policemen may be punished soon.