Our Correspondent
Hoshiarpur, January 14

Arrested for stealing two INSAS rifles and cartridges from the Army Training Centre, Pachmarhi, Madhya Pradesh, on December 10 last year, Army deserter Harpreet Singh escaped from the Civil Hospital, Hoshiarpur, this morning by dodging cops.

Harpreet Singh was lodged in the Central Jail, Hoshiarpur. He was admitted to the Civil Hospital after his health deteriorated. At around 4 am today morning, he went to bathroom accompanied by a home guard jawan, but Harpreet pushed him aside and fled. Two police personnel on duty tried to chase him, but to no avail.

Last month, Harpreet, along with his partner Jagtar Singh Jagga, was arrested by the Tanda police. Two INSAS rifles, three magazines and 20 live cartridges were recovered from the two.

Harpreet Singh was recruited into the Army two years ago. He took training from the Army Training Centre in Pachmarhi.

Vikram Singh, in charge of the Model Town police station, said Harpreet’s father Harbans Singh, a resident of Miani village, and five police personnel — sub-inspectors Jagtar Singh, Hardeep Singh, Baldev Dutt, Bansi Lal and head constable Davinder Kumar had been booked under Sections 223, 224 and 120-B of the IPC.

DSP, City, Jagdish Raj Attri said, “Out of the five police personnel on duty, only two were present at the time of the incident and the three were absent.

A case has been registered against the all five. Departmental action will be initiated against those absent. Raids are being conducted to nab the accused.”