Man escapes from police custody before being lodged in Coimbatore Central Prison

Coimbatore Central Prison. File | Photo Credit: S. Siva Saravanan A 25-year-old man, Raghavan, who was convicted of theft in Bengaluru a few months ago, escaped from police custody for the second time in Coimbatore in the early hours of Saturday (October 31, 2026).He had first escaped from custody on June 19, 2026, while being transported from Coimbatore to Bengaluru. Following the incident, the Annur police registered a case against him. He was arrested in Bhavani on Friday (October 30) in connection with the case.Raghavan was produced before a magistrate at the Fast Track Court in Coimbatore at around 11 p.m. on Friday and remanded to judicial custody. He managed to escape at around 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.Search launchedAn 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. Published - October 31, 2026 11:17 am IST