2 criminals flee from Kanthi court, 1 nabbed

Kolkata: Two dreaded criminals tried to flee police custody by hurling bombs and firing several rounds of bullet just before being produced in the court. Though one of the accused took off, the other one was nabbed immediately.

According to locals, two criminals identified as Shaikh Munna and Karna Bera were being taken to Kanthi fast track court under judicial custody.

Around 12:30 pm, the prisoner van of the Purba Medinipur Police arrived at the court premises with six under-trial prisoner including Bera and Munna.

As soon as a police personnel opened the door of the van, one person waiting close to the van hurled a bomb. Another person tried to snatch Bera and Munna from the van.

Police sources informed that two persons were waiting with two motorcycles for the prisoner van to arrive at the court premises. When one of them was hurling bombs, the other one passed a firearm to Karna and Munna. All of them tried flee but failed as one of the motorcycles broke down. Sensing danger, one of the accused tried to take some else's motorcycle but failed to do so as the owner ran away with the keys.

Having no other way, all four of them tried leave on the one motorcycle they were left with. While on the motorcycle, Bera and Munna hurled bombs and fired at least eight rounds of bullet.

Six persons including five police personnel and a staff from the court were injured by the bullets and the bombs.

But their plan was partly foiled as Bera fell down on road as soon as the motorcycle started moving. However, his accomplishes fled and he tried to get to a safe place by running aimlessly. In Kanthi bazar area, he hid in a house but was traced by police personnel as he was being followed. A large number of police personnel surrounded the house and Bera could not escape. He was arrested from there.

Bera has several cases of murder, robbery, dacoity on his head. He is also accused of murdering a police constable identified as Nabakumar Maity at Mahisadal a few years ago. He tried to flee jail several times but failed.