Two Cops To Face Trial Over Covid-Positive Accused’s Escape From Ahmedabad Civil Hospital
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
Two Ahmedabad policemen will face trial after a city sessions court reportedly refused to discharge them in a case alleging that they allowed a Covid-19 positive rape accused to escape from police custody at Civil Hospital during the pandemic.
The case dates back to August 2020, when Sunil Dhirubhai Bhanderi was detained by a Krushnanagar police inspector in connection with a rape case. According to the prosecution, before his formal arrest could be completed, Bhanderi tested positive for Covid-19 and was admitted to the 1,200-bed Covid Hospital at Civil Hospital for treatment.
Accused Allegedly Shifted to Private Hospital
According to court records, Bhanderi reportedly left the government hospital and admitted himself to a private hospital in western Ahmedabad. He allegedly informed the police control room about his whereabouts, stating that he had shifted because he feared for his safety and had concerns about the treatment available at Civil Hospital.
Head constable Dineshkumar Jivaji and Lok Rakshak Vanrajsinh Vinusinh, who had reportedly been assigned to guard him outside the hospital building, were booked after Bhanderi was found missing the following morning.
The Shahibaug police subsequently registered an FIR against Bhanderi and the two policemen. The case reportedly includes charges of allowing a prisoner to escape, spreading a dangerous disease and violating official notifications under the Indian Penal Code and the Epidemic Diseases Act.
Defence Cites Covid Restrictions
The two policemen initially sought discharge before a metropolitan court, which reportedly rejected their plea in June 2025. They later approached the sessions court, arguing that Bhanderi could not be treated as a prisoner because he had not been formally arrested.
The defence further contended that Bhanderi himself had informed the police control room after leaving Civil Hospital and disclosed that he had admitted himself to a private hospital.
They also argued that Covid-19 protocols at the hospital permitted only medical staff inside the building, while they were posted outside and therefore could not maintain direct surveillance over the patient. The defence additionally submitted that departmental proceedings had concluded in their favour and that an earlier minor penalty imposed on them had reportedly been withdrawn.
Court Orders Trial
Rejecting the revision application, Additional Sessions Judge A.M. Memon reportedly held that the allegations against the two policemen could not be decided at the discharge stage.
The court observed that the prosecution alleges the two policemen negligently and carelessly discharged their duties, resulting in Bhanderi's alleged escape from custody. It held that whether those allegations are proved can only be determined after the prosecution presents its evidence during the trial.
