Balurghat, Oct. 30 -- A 17-year-old undertrial juvenile who escaped from the government run Subhayan Home in Balurghat on Thursday remained untraced till Friday afternoon, even after an extensive search operation across South Dinajpur district. Police have alerted all naka-checking points and launched searches at various locations to trace the missing boy.
The incident came to light on Thursday, triggering concern among the home authorities. Home authorities initially searched the premises after finding the juvenile missing and subsequently informed Balurghat police. A large police team rushed to the spot. Police are also examining his possible whereabouts and contacts within the home to establish whether anyone might have helped him escape.
District Magistrate Balasubramanian T visited the home on Thursday night and reviewed its security arrangements, directing the authorities to take necessary measures to address any lapses. According to police, the juvenile escaped by scaling the boundary wall after having lunch, apparently taking advantage of the moment when the staff were not watching him. A missing person case has been registered at Balurghat police station. Investigators are examining how he managed to cross the high boundary wall fitted with barbed wire.
South Dinajpur Superintendent of Police Abhishek Gupta said the 17-year-old, a resident of Malda, had been apprehended by the Government Railway Police (GRP) at Malda station about a week ago while allegedly attempting to commit theft. As he was a minor, the Malda GRP arranged for his admission to Shubhayan Home in Balurghat. "Balurghat police are investigating the circumstances surrounding his escape and searches are being conducted at different locations to trace him," the SP said.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.