Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (UM)
Udupi, Apr 1: The accused in Manipal rape and murder case who had escaped from the clutches of police was caught near Hiriadka here on Monday April 1.
Hanumanthappa (30) had given police the slip while being brought back to Hiriadka jail after being produced before the judge on Sunday March 31.
He had been earlier arrested on March 29 in connection with the rape and murder of a 17-year-old girl at Sagri in Manipal on March 9.
The police led by Udupi SP Nisha James had launched a manhunt for the fugitive, with nearly 500 cops scanning the surrounding villages of Hiriadka. The police were reportedly confident that Hanumanthappa would have not been able to run far as he was physically quite weak, hence they concentrated on nearby villages.
It is learnt that after escaping from the police, the accused went towards Pernankila near Hiriadka. He went to a house and asked the occupants to give him refuge. The occupants informed the locals, who in turn contacted the police, it is learnt. Also, the accused had hung a piece of his clothing to dry near the house.
On receiving the tip-off, the police surrounded the house and captured Hanumanthappa. He was brought back to Hiriadka prison where he will serve 14 days of judicial custody.
Meanwhile, it has come to light that while being brought back from judge to Hiriadka prison on March 31, the head constable was supposed to accompany the accused all the way to the jail, but he got off at Manipal and sent the accused with two constables and the driver.
Sources said that the two constables might have been busy on the mobile phones, and when the vehicle slowed down, Hanumanthappa might have jumped off and escaped. Sources claim that he was not fit enough to fight off the two cops, so there may not have been any struggle at all.
An inquiry into the incident is yet to be ordered. It is expected that action may be taken against the three cops who failed to escort the accused back to the prison.