An accused in a rape case managed to escape from custody in Bhubaneswar on Monday.
According to reports, the accused was brought from Bhadrak by Mahila police for questioning in connection with a rape allegation. After interrogation, police were preparing to produce him in court. Before the court appearance, the accused was escorted to a canteen for breakfast. He declined to eat and asked to use the washroom. Taking advantage of the opportunity, he fled from the premises.
Following the escape, an Assistant Sub-Inspector of Mahila police station lodged a complaint at Capital police station. A massive manhunt has since been launched, with checkpoints set up across the city and CCTV footage being examined to trace the fugitive.
Officials assured that efforts are underway to re-arrest the accused at the earliest, but the incident has triggered public concern over custodial security lapses in Bhubaneswar.
