Accused Escapes From Vadodara's Sayaji Hospital After Pushing Policeman; Massive Search Underway

A rape accused escaped from police custody at Vadodara's Sayaji Hospital on Thursday after allegedly pushing a policeman and fleeing while undergoing treatment, triggering a massive search operation involving drones and public announcements.

Police have cordoned off an under-construction multi-storey building near the hospital, where the accused is suspected to be hiding.

Accused Fled While Undergoing Treatment

According to police, the accused, identified as Govind Vihatiya from Dahod district, had been brought to Ward No. 5 of Sayaji Hospital for treatment of a skin-related ailment.

Officials said the policemen escorting him temporarily removed his handcuffs to administer an injection. After one injection was given, another was scheduled to be administered after a short interval.

Police said the accused allegedly took advantage of the opportunity, pushed the accompanying constable and ran out of the hospital.

Police Chase Ends At Under-Construction Building

The escorting policemen immediately chased the accused but failed to apprehend him.

According to officials, the accused entered a nearby under-construction multi-storey building, prompting police to launch a large-scale search operation.

Drones Deployed, Announcements Made

Following the escape, additional police teams rushed to the spot and sealed the entire building.

Officials are using drone cameras to scan the structure and determine the floor on which the accused may be hiding.

Police are also making repeated announcements through loudspeakers, urging the accused to surrender peacefully to avoid any untoward incident.

The search operation was continuing at the time of filing this report.