Narsingi police custody procedures under scrutiny after drug peddler escapes

The alleged escape of an accused drug peddler, Muzaffar, from the Narsingi police station in Hyderabad has prompted senior police officials to put custody and detention procedures under intense scrutiny. Following the incident, officials on 1 July 2026 highlighted the strict Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) required to maintain safety and security in police lock-ups.

Senior police officers emphasized that these protocols are designed not only to prevent escapes but also to protect detainees from self-harm. Failing to follow the prescribed guidelines can carry severe legal and administrative consequences for the officers in charge.

According to an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), suspects brought to the station undergo an immediate assessment of their physical build, agility, and behavior. This evaluation determines whether a suspect is placed in a lock-up or kept under separate, closer supervision.

Police personnel must inspect lock-up facilities before confining any detainee. Officers are required to remove potential hazards such as broken glass, metal objects, and utensils that could be used for self-harm. They also check ventilator grills, doors, and other fixtures to eliminate potential escape routes.

A senior Detective Inspector stated that every suspect is thoroughly frisked before entering the lock-up. Officers confiscate footwear, belts, chains, mobile phones, and other personal items. If there is an identified risk of detainees attacking each other or attempting self-harm, suspects are kept only in their undergarments as a precaution.

Washrooms represent one of the most vulnerable areas during custody. An official from the Central Crime Station (CCS) noted that suspects have previously attempted suicide or self-harm in washrooms using chemicals like phenyl and acid, or razor blades.

To mitigate these risks, at least two policemen must escort a detainee to the washroom. Depending on the suspect's risk level, officers may handcuff them, keep them under watch with the door partially open, or secure them with a long chain held by an escort outside. Lock-ups also utilize Indian-style floor-mounted toilets to prevent detainees from climbing onto fixtures to reach ventilators.