In a shocking incident, Battula Prabhakar, also known by his aliases Rahul Reddy or Bittu, an under-trial prisoner, managed to escape from police custody. The escape happened while he was being escorted from Vijayawada to the Rajamahendravaram Central Prison.
Prabhakar, a resident of Vaddapalli village in Chittoor district, had been apprehended earlier in March by Patamata police in connection with a theft case. He was brought to Vijayawada for a court hearing on Monday. However, during his return journey to the central jail, he vanished from police supervision near Duddukuru village in the Devarapalli mandal of East Godavari district, around midnight.
Authorities have since sprung into action. Police Commissioner S.V. Rajashekara Babu confirmed on Tuesday that three specialized teams have been formed and are operating under the direct supervision of Armed Reserve (AR) Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police K. Koteswara Rao to locate and apprehend the escapee.
According to AR police, Prabhakar was handcuffed on one hand, with the other end secured by a constable, when he made his escape.
Two Head Constables Suspended for Negligence
Following the significant security lapse, two Armed Reserve head constables, K.J. Shadrak and K. Sugunakar Rao, who were responsible for escorting the prisoner, have been suspended on grounds of negligence.
To expedite Prabhakar’s capture, police have announced a cash reward of ₹50,000 for anyone who provides credible information or assistance. An urgent alert has been issued across Eluru, East and West Godavari, Krishna, and Guntur districts, urging residents to be vigilant. Those with any information regarding Prabhakar’s whereabouts are encouraged to contact the Devarapalli Circle Inspector at Phone No. 94407 96584 or the Sub-Inspector at Phone No. 94407 96624. Special teams are actively searching bus and railway stations, along with other public areas, in a determined effort to track down the escaped prisoner.