Remand Prisoner Escapes From Police Custody at Coimbatore Central Prison

Coimbatore: While the recent major prison breach in Theni, where 17 remand prisoners escaped from Thekkampatti Sub-Jail, is still fresh in memory, the escape of a remand prisoner from Coimbatore Central Prison has created a stir.

According to reports, the accused, who had been remanded to judicial custody and was being brought to the prison, escaped just past the first entrance gate after police removed his handcuffs, reportedly to process the remand formalities. Race Course police have registered a case and launched an investigation.

The escapee, identified as Raghavan, had been lodged in Coimbatore Central Prison after being arrested in several cases, including robbery and theft. He also has multiple robbery cases pending against him in Tamil Nadu and in Bengaluru, Karnataka.

In connection with a case pending in Karnataka, Raghavan was taken from Coimbatore Central Prison by the police last June for further proceedings. After the proceedings were completed, he was being brought back to Coimbatore when he escaped from police custody in an area under the jurisdiction of Annur police station.

Following a complaint from the Karnataka police, Annur police launched a search for Raghavan. During the investigation, they received information that he was hiding in the Bhavanisagar area. Acting on the tip-off, police rushed to the location, chased him down and arrested him on Friday.

After his arrest, Raghavan was produced before the Annur court and then brought to Coimbatore to be lodged in the Central Prison. However, after the police vehicle crossed the first entrance gate of the prison complex, police reportedly removed his handcuffs.

Taking advantage of this, Raghavan suddenly distracted the police personnel and made a dash for freedom. The security personnel on duty immediately chased him, but he evaded them and escaped.

The incident was immediately reported to the police control room. As the prison complex falls under the jurisdiction of Race Course police station, personnel rushed to the spot and began an investigation.

Police are examining CCTV footage from cameras installed in and around the Central Prison complex, including areas along Nanjappa Road and near VOC Park, to trace the escapee. A search operation is underway to recapture Raghavan.

The incident has raised concerns over security arrangements, as Raghavan, who had earlier escaped from police custody while being brought back from Karnataka, has fled again, this time from the entrance of the high-security Coimbatore Central Prison.