Rojalin Mishra

Malkangiri: An undertrial prisoner escaped from custody while he was being brought back to Malkangiri sub-jail from hospital on Saturday. The accused Raju Barei, who was arrested on the charges of peddling ganja (dry cannabis), was admitted to district headquarters hospital after his condition deteriorated inside the jail.

According to reports, Barei was taken to the hospital for treatment by jail pharmacist and a guard in an autorickshaw. However, the accused escaped soon after the jail staff stopped the vehicle to get coconut water, source said.

“The accused complained of chest pain and was admitted to the hospital. While our jail staff had gone to bring coconut water, in a matter of time he fled from the vehicle,” said Malkangiri Jailor, Sangram Nayak.

Meanwhile, Nayak has expressed concern over shortage of staff and overcrowding which is affecting the overall management inside the jail.

Earlier, on March 5 an undertrial prisoner identified as Ajit Sahu escaped from Malkangiri sub-jail. Sahu, was lodged in the jail since January 2019 after being arrested by Balimela police on charges of illegally transporting cannabis.

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