A significant lapse in security has come to light in Sitamarhi, where notorious criminal Fekan Mahto, injured in a police encounter, escaped from Sadar Hospital on Tuesday evening. Following the incident, four policemen who were on security duty have been suspended. Mahto was arrested after being shot in the leg during a police encounter on July 1st in connection with the Riga CSP robbery case and was admitted to Sadar Hospital for treatment.

According to Jail Superintendent Jalan Kumar, Fekan Mahto's health deteriorated, leading to his transfer from Mandal Jail to the prisoner ward of Sadar Hospital on July 24th. On Tuesday, he managed to evade police surveillance and escape from the hospital during treatment. Fekan Mahto is listed among Sitamarhi district's most wanted criminals, with numerous serious cases of robbery, extortion, and other crimes registered against him. He was the prime accused in the July 1st CSP robbery in Riga, where he fired at the police team during his arrest attempt and was injured in retaliatory fire.

Upon receiving news of the escape, the police department was thrown into a frenzy. Vigilance has been heightened at district borders, and police in various station areas have been put on high alert. Police are currently scrutinizing CCTV footage from the hospital premises and surrounding areas to ascertain the escape route and identify any potential accomplices. Simultaneous raids are being conducted at his suspected hideouts.

Sitamarhi SP Amit Ranjan stated that an FIR was registered at Riga Police Station regarding the CSP robbery, and Fekan Mahto was arrested in connection with the case. Further action is being taken regarding his escape from the hospital, and a special team has been formed to apprehend the fugitive. The suspended police personnel are also being interrogated. It has also come to light that Fekan Mahto had previously evaded police custody, managing to escape from the police station in June after being caught by villagers.