A remand prisoner, Sheikh Rahim, was sentenced to two years of simple imprisonment by a court in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, for escaping from police escort while undergoing treatment at King George Hospital (KGH) in Visakhapatnam in February 2024. Rahim was an accused in a narcotics case and was initially arrested by the Guntur district police.
The incident occurred when Rahim complained of chest pain during his transit to court and was taken to KGH for medical examination and treatment. He managed to escape while being escorted by two constables, taking advantage of the crowded hospital environment. A case was registered at the II Town Police Station in Visakhapatnam regarding his escape.
The investigation revealed that Rahim exploited a momentary lapse in the constables’ attention to flee. He was apprehended within 24 hours from a relative’s house in Visakhapatnam.
The court considered the seriousness of the offense – escaping police custody – and the potential disruption to law and order. While acknowledging Rahim’s claim of health issues, the judge emphasized the duty of prisoners to remain in custody and the responsibility of the police to ensure their secure confinement.
The prosecution presented evidence including statements from the police constables involved, medical records, and the case details of Rahim’s initial arrest in the narcotics case. The defense argued for leniency citing Rahim’s health condition and the short duration of his escape.
Ultimately, the court found Rahim guilty under Section 224 (resistance to lawful apprehension) and Section 452 (house-trespass after preparation for hurt) of the Indian Penal Code. The two-year sentence will run concurrently with any existing sentence he is serving for the narcotics case. The court also imposed a fine of ₹1,000 on Rahim. The incident prompted a review of security protocols for prisoners undergoing treatment at KGH and other hospitals in the state.
