Coimbatore Central Prison: Prisoner escapes from police custody

A 25-year-old remand prisoner, identified as Raghavan, escaped from police custody late Friday night at the Coimbatore Central Prison complex in Tamil Nadu. The incident occurred while officers were escorting him between the prison’s two main security gates. According to reports, his handcuffs had been removed for the admission process, providing an opportunity for him to push past guards and flee.

This marks Raghavan’s second escape within 24 hours and his third overall, following previous attempts in Annur and during a transfer to Bengaluru. In response to the lapse, four police officers have been suspended for negligence, and five special police teams have been formed to conduct an intensive search for the suspect.

The escape has triggered significant political criticism in Tamil Nadu. Opposition leaders, including AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami and PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss, have condemned the incident, citing it as evidence of systemic security failures. This event follows a recent breach at Thekkampatti Sub-Jail in Theni, where 17 prisoners escaped, leading to heightened scrutiny of the state's prison security arrangements.