In a shocking lapse of security, a 24-year-old man accused of raping a 14-year-old girl escaped from police custody in Sikkim’s Rangpo station early Wednesday. The accused, Suraj Gazmer, was arrested on May 27 under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act but managed to flee around 2:30 AM after assaulting a constable and exploiting a bathroom break.
Police confirm Gazmer was being held for allegedly breaking into the victim’s home in Pakyong and attempting to assault her before her father intervened. His escape, just 24 hours after arrest, has triggered a statewide search and raised urgent questions about custodial protocols in sensitive POCSO cases.
The Breakdown: How a 24-Year-Old’s accused fled
1. The Bathroom Ruse
Gazmer requested to use the restroom while under the watch of a single officer. Despite the seriousness of his charges (non-bailable under POCSO), he was neither restrained nor accompanied by a second guard. During the break, he attacked the constable and fled into the night.
2. Immediate Aftermath
- New Charges Filed: Rangpo SHO Dichen Tshomo registered a case under Sections 262 (assault on public servant) and 132 (escape from custody) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.
- Manhunt Status: Over 50 officers are scouring Rangpo and neighbouring districts. Police claim to have “critical inputs” but refuse to disclose details to avoid compromising the operation.
3. Infrastructure Gaps
Sources reveal the Rangpo station lacks essential safeguards for high-risk detainees:
- There is no CCTV in holding areas.
- Chronic staff shortages—only 3 officers were on duty during the escape.
Victim’s Anguish and Public Outrage
The 14-year-old survivor, whose courage led to Gazmer’s arrest, now faces renewed trauma. Her family has demanded heightened security, fearing retaliation. Social media posts from locals reflect fury: “If police can’t protect a POCSO accused, how will they protect us?”.
Data Context: Sikkim recorded 12 POCSO cases in 2024, with 4 involving custodial procedural failures.
Systemic Failures: A Recurring Nightmare
- Staffing & Training:
- Rural stations, such as Rangpo, often operate with skeletal crews.
- No mandatory dual-officer escort for POCSO accused, despite Supreme Court guidelines.
- Accountability Vacuum:
- SHO Tshomo faces an internal inquiry but remains on duty.
- Similar escapes occurred in 2023 (Siliguri) and 2021 (Gangtok), with no policy reforms.
- Legal Loopholes:
- BNS’s Section 132 prescribes only 3–5 years for escape, deterring a few desperate suspects.
National Perspective: India’s POCSO Crisis
- Bail Trends: 43% of POCSO accused secured bail in 2024 (NCRB), often intimidating victims into silence.
- Contrast: Delhi’s high-security POCSO courts report zero escapes since 2022, highlighting regional disparities.
Solutions: What Must Change
Immediate Actions:
- GPS ankle monitors for all POCSO accused.
- 24/7 CCTV in custody areas with central monitoring.
Long-Term Reforms:
- Double staffing in rural stations.
- Fast-track courts for child sexual assault cases.
Conclusion: A Test for Sikkim’s Justice System
As Gazmer remains at large, this case has become a litmus test for Sikkim’s commitment to protecting victims and fixing broken protocols. The clock is ticking—for the police, the survivor, and public trust.
