UTP escapes from police custody in Angul

An under-trial prisoner (UTP) escaped from police custody while he was being produced in an Angul court for hearing in connection with the murder of four persons.

The UTP identified as Jhasketan Rout alias Jhadu fled on the pretext of going to toilet.

Reports said Jhasketan was arrested for his involvement in the brutal murder of two brothers Rajkishore Sahoo and Hiranakshya Sahoo of Kushakila village under the Jarpada police station in the district in 2016.

The accused was arrested by police basing on a complaint filed by family members of the deceased suspecting the role of Jhasketan.

Later, police had recovered two dead bodies buried in the back side of a school building based on the information revealed by Jhasketan during interrogation.

Police sources said, Rout during interrogation, had admitted to have murdered two more persons in a similar manner one year ago. He had also confessed to have dumped the bodies few meters away from the place where he had buried the bodies of Jogeswar and Hiranakhya.

During interrogation, Jhasketan had confessed to have murdered two others Abala Gadnayak and her nephew Kumuda Sahu of Kukurpeta village near Chhendipada, over some financial dispute, police sources said.

“Today, the UTP has escaped from court premises. An inquiry will be conducted to ascertain whether there was any involvement of any member of the police escort team or not. Besides, adequate measures will be taken for the protection of the witnesses in the case,” said Angul SP Mitrabhanu Mohapatra.