Prisoner attacks cop, bolts with pistol from Nizamabad hospital

HYDERABAD: A remand prisoner, who was undergoing treatment at a government hospital in Nizamabad, assaulted a head constable, snatched his pistol and fled from the location on Saturday night. Police have launched a manhunt to nab him.
Nizamabad police said R Prakash,33, who was arrested for his alleged role in three burglary cases, has been in judicial remand since January 20.
On Saturday morning, Prakash complained of ill-health in jail as he had consumed several tablets.Prakash was shifted to a local government hospital by jail staff, where he underwent treatment. Meanwhile, two Armed Reserve policemen — a head constable and a constable — were sent to the hospital to guard Prakash.
Around 9.30pm on Saturday, the constable went to have dinner, while the head constable was guarding the prisoner.
Taking advantage of the situation, Prakash jumped on the head constable, snatched his pistol and attacked the latter with the pistol’s butt on his hand before fleeing from the hospital.
“There was dereliction of duty on the part of the head constable. As of now, Prakash is missing. He is in possession of a police pistol. We formed teams to search for Prakash,’’ Nizamabad police said.
In 2015, Prakash was allegedly involved in a murder case too. After coming out on bail, he was reportedly involved in three burglaries and was subsequently arrested.
“The constable suffered a minor injury on his hand,” police said. Police have registered a case against Prakash under the Arms Act besides slapping charges for escaping from judicial custody and assaulting a policeman on duty.