Delhi family locks up cops in home, helps sexual assault suspect escape

NEW DELHI: In north Delhi’s Sarai Rohilla, a routine inquiry in a sexual assault case allegedly turned into a coordinated domestic operation, facilitating the escape of a suspect.

After calling police to its fourth-floor residence, the family allegedly initiated a ‘lock-in’ sequence, trapping two police personnel behind locked gates. By the time backup reached the spot, the suspect had allegedly escaped through an upper-storey window, disappearing into the night.

The drama unfolded around 7.30pm on April 8. A sub-inspector and a head constable went to the accused’s house on his son’s plea that his father, a man facing allegations of sexual harassment and extortion, was too unwell to come to the police station. The officers found the suspect waiting, flanked by his family that appeared too friendly, said police.

As the officers began their questioning, one son slipped away towards the main entrance, the heavy click of a lock signalling that the officers were trapped inside.

The suspect also suddenly claimed a desperate need to go to the washroom and the family insisted that he be allowed to go upstairs. Even as the sub-inspector signalled his colleague to follow the suspect, the man’s wife managed to block his way.

Amid the chaos, the other son of the couple managed to whisk the suspect to the upper floor and locked the entrance to it, while the wife secured the gate to their floor. By the time, the officers called the police station and reinforcements reached the spot, the man had allegedly escaped. Police said multiple teams had been formed to nab him.

A case has been registered under sections 221 (obstructing public servant), 127 (wrongful confinement) and 3 (5) (common intention) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.Get real-time updates and result insights on the CBSE 12 Result 2026.