DARBHANGA, July 31 -- In a dramatic turn of events that has raised serious questions over courtroom security, a man convicted under the POCSO Act fled from the court premises in Darbhanga on Wednesday-only to return later after an FIR had been registered against him for escaping judicial custody. The convict, Ranjan Kumar Thakur, son of Ajay Kumar Thakur and a resident of Brahmpur Paschimi village under Kamtaul police station limits, bolted from the special POCSO court moments after being held guilty but before the sentencing could be pronounced. According to court officials, Thakur had been convicted by special POCSO judge Protima Parihar in connection with Kamtaul PS Case No. 162/2021 under section 12 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and section 341 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The court had fixed 3:30 pm the same day for arguments on sentencing. "Before the court could reconvene, the convict absconded from the premises, apparently in fear of imminent imprisonment," said special public prosecutor V. K. Parajit. The bench clerk of the POCSO court promptly lodged a written complaint at Laheriasarai police station, leading to registration of an FIR against Thakur for fleeing judicial custody, police said. In a surprising twist, Thakur returned to the courtroom later in the day-after the FIR had already been lodged. "His subsequent return does not nullify the legal consequences of his attempted evasion," said the SHO of Laheriasarai police station. Thakur was eventually sentenced to three years' imprisonment under section 12 of the POCSO Act and one month's jail under section 341 of IPC. Legal experts said the escape could weigh against him while seeking leniency in sentencing or bail....