An undertrial prisoner who escaped from police custody while undergoing treatment at a government hospital was rearrested in Bengaluru, marking the third custody escape incident reported within a week.
The accused, identified as 34-year-old Mohanraj, was lodged in Villupuram prison in connection with a ganja-related case. According to police, he was admitted to Government Stanley Medical College Hospital after complaining of severe chest pain during his detention.
Escape during hospital treatment
While receiving treatment, Mohanraj allegedly managed to evade security and flee from custody. Following the incident, the Washermenpet police registered a case and launched a search operation.
A special police team tracked him to a hideout in Bengaluru and arrested him on Thursday. He was subsequently brought back to Chennai, produced before a magistrate and remanded to Puzhal Central Prison.
Third custody escape in a week
The incident comes amid a series of similar cases that have raised concerns over custodial security.
In another case, 21-year-old R Divakar allegedly escaped from KK Nagar police custody on Tuesday while being questioned in connection with the sale of narcotic pills. Police said he was brought to the station for interrogation but managed to flee. Efforts to trace him are continuing.
Earlier, on June 2, a burglary suspect identified as Vishal alias Bablu escaped from the custody of Neelankarai police. He was, however, apprehended shortly after a brief chase.
Questions over custodial security
The repeated incidents have prompted scrutiny of security arrangements during prisoner transport and medical treatment. Police officials are expected to review existing protocols to prevent similar escapes in the future.