India
25‑Year‑Old Raghavan Escapes Police Custody Again Before Transfer to Coimbatore Central Prison
A 25‑year‑old man named Raghavan, who was convicted of theft in Bengaluru a few months ago, escaped from police custody for the second time in Coimbatore on the early hours of Saturday, October 31, 2026. His first escape occurred on June 19, 2026, while he was being transported from Coimbatore to Bengaluru. After that incident, the Annur police registered a case against him. Raghavan was arrested in Bhavani on Friday, October 30, in connection with the case. He was produced before a magistrate at the Fast Track Court in Coimbatore at about 11 p.m. on Friday and remanded to judicial custody. He escaped at about 12:40 a.m. on Saturday by pushing the police personnel escorting him, just before he could be taken through the entrance gate of the Coimbatore Central Prison for admission. Based on a complaint lodged by the Annur police, the Race Course police have registered a case in connection with his second escape. Two petrol bunks in Coimbatore, operated by the Prison Department and staffed by prisoners, were closed on Saturday citing security reasons. An intensive search operation has been launched in coordination with the Coimbatore City and District police. Special teams have been formed under the supervision of senior police officers. The search involves drone surveillance, CCTV footage analysis, and intensified vehicle checks. Police units in neighbouring areas have also been alerted. Four police personnel responsible for escorting him have been placed under suspension for lapses in duty.