Murder Accused Gives Police the Slip, Escapes from Hospital in Filmy Style in Azamgarh

Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh: Serious questions have once again been raised over the security arrangements in jails across the Azamgarh division after a murder accused managed to escape from a hospital by deceiving police personnel. The incident has exposed glaring lapses in custodial security and sent shockwaves through the local administration.

Within the past month, two major incidents have highlighted negligence in the division’s jail system. Earlier, a prisoner lodged in Mau district jail died by suicide after hanging himself with a towel. Now, a murder accused has fled from Azamgarh District Jail custody while undergoing treatment at the divisional hospital.

Escaped During Medical Treatment

According to official sources, the escaped inmate has been identified as Uday, son of Jaswant, a native of Gujarat who was residing in Padri Bazaar locality under Shahpur police station in Gorakhpur. He was lodged in jail in connection with a murder case registered in the Pharenda area of Maharajganj district.

Initially confined in Gorakhpur District Jail, Uday was transferred to Azamgarh District Jail on September 6, 2021, for administrative reasons. He had been lodged there for nearly four years. The prisoner was suffering from severe piles and was regularly taken to hospital for treatment every 15 days. On December 6, his condition worsened, following which he was admitted to the Azamgarh Divisional Hospital.

On Friday morning, the accused asked to go to the toilet and, taking advantage of the moment, managed to give police personnel the slip and escape. Despite an extensive search, no trace of him was found. The incident triggered panic within the jail and police administration, prompting senior officials to rush to the hospital.

₹25,000 Reward Announced

After prolonged but unsuccessful efforts to trace the fugitive, the jail administration lodged an FIR at Azamgarh City Kotwali. Senior Superintendent of Police Dr. Anil Kumar stated that special police teams have been constituted and an intensive manhunt is underway.

To ensure his arrest, a reward of ₹25,000 has been announced on the escaped prisoner. Police officials expressed confidence that the accused would be apprehended soon.

The incident has once again exposed serious shortcomings in prisoner security and supervision during medical treatment.