A dramatic twist has emerged in the recent escape of a remand prisoner from the Coimbatore Government Hospital, with police arresting one of their own personnel for allegedly accepting a bribe to facilitate the escape. Three other policemen, including a Sub-Inspector, have been suspended for negligence, as reported in Dinamalar.
The prisoner, identified as Bimmudu Ajith Kumar (34) from Andhra Pradesh, was arrested by Tiruppur police in an online fraud case and lodged in Coimbatore Central Prison. Police said he faces more than 30 criminal cases across Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
Ajith Kumar was admitted to the prisoners’ ward at the Coimbatore Government Hospital on June 12 after developing leg swelling and complications related to a fatty lump. Although his condition reportedly improved, doctors advised that he continue receiving medication for a few more days, resulting in his continued stay at the hospital instead of being shifted back to prison.
Despite being under police guard, Ajith Kumar managed to escape after reportedly going to the restroom, triggering a massive manhunt. Police later tracked him down and arrested him in Salem district before bringing him back to Coimbatore for interrogation.
The investigation subsequently revealed that a police constable, Sheikh Mohammed Roshan (23), had allegedly assisted the prisoner in escaping. According to police, Roshan accepted a bribe of ₹20,000 through UPI from Vijayakumar (35), a friend of the prisoner, in exchange for helping facilitate the escape.
Police allege that Roshan not only arranged transportation for the prisoner but also helped him procure clothes after the escape. Investigators further found evidence suggesting that a larger payment had been promised to the constable once the prisoner successfully evaded capture.
Both Sheikh Mohammed Roshan and Vijayakumar have been arrested.
Meanwhile, Sub-Inspector Periyasamy and Armed Reserve personnel Bharathidasan and Ashok Kumar have been suspended for negligence in the discharge of their duties during the prisoner’s hospital stay.
Speaking to reporters, Coimbatore City Police Commissioner Kannan said nearly 150 police personnel were deployed immediately after the escape. CCTV footage revealed that the prisoner had boarded an autorickshaw to a private hotel in Chinniyampalayam before continuing his journey in a car arranged in advance by an associate.
Once investigators discovered that the vehicle was heading towards Salem, police units across the route were alerted, leading to the prisoner’s arrest.
Commissioner Kannan issued a stern warning to police personnel, stating that officers entrusted with public responsibility must act within the law at all times. He said any police officer found violating the law would face punishment more severe than that imposed on ordinary citizens and emphasised that there would be “no leniency” for such misconduct.
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