Mistaken identity: 2 dope accused released on bail

The duo was arrested by the NCB when they entered Tamil Nadu with nearly 200 kg of ganja in a vehicle a few months back. On Monday, to their surprise, they were released ‘on bail’ by the jail officials.

The erroneous release came to light on Wednesday and Puzhal officials were given 48 hours to track the two jailbirds. Sources said the lawyer representing the two had applied for bail and after the NCB opposed it, the court had rejected the same.

The court had given bail for two other accused represented by the same lawyer and those at the prison by mistake released these two due to mix-up in names while noting down the details from court orders, sources said. A jailor who is believed to have mistakenly let the two go free could face departmental action, sources added.

Two years back, Puzhal prison officials had released a murder suspect and Goondas Act detenu in a similar case of mistaken identity. Though he walked away initially, he returned himself when he came to know that police were looking for him.