Remand Prisoner Makes Daring Escape from Guntur Government Hospital
In a significant security lapse, a remand prisoner managed to escape from police custody at the Guntur Government General Hospital (GGH) on Saturday morning. The incident has raised serious questions about the vigilance of law enforcement personnel assigned to guard duties at medical facilities.
Details of the Prisoner and His Arrest
The escaped individual has been identified as B. Ajit Kumar, aged 25. According to official reports, Kumar was originally arrested by the One-Town police in Tenali in connection with a murder case that occurred in Chebrolu. Following his arrest, he was remanded to judicial custody and housed at the Repalle sub-jail.
Hospital Admission and Subsequent Escape
Police authorities transferred Ajit Kumar to Guntur GGH approximately three days prior to the escape, after he complained of health issues requiring medical attention. While undergoing treatment at the hospital, Kumar managed to slip away from police custody on Saturday morning. Despite immediate search efforts conducted by police on the hospital premises, they were unable to locate the fugitive.
Police Response and Disciplinary Actions
In response to the escape, a formal case has been registered at the Kothapeta police station. Special police teams have been constituted with the specific mandate to track down and apprehend the escaped remand prisoner. The Guntur district Superintendent of Police, Vakul Jindal, confirmed that three armed reserve police constables who were on guard duty at the hospital have been placed under suspension. SP Jindal stated that preliminary investigations revealed clear negligence by these constables in discharging their duties, which directly facilitated Kumar's escape.
Ongoing Investigation and Manhunt
The escape has triggered a full-scale manhunt across the region. Authorities are examining all possible routes and contacts Kumar might have used to flee. The incident underscores the challenges faced in maintaining security for prisoners requiring external medical care and has prompted a review of standard operating procedures for such escorts.
