Accused was previously arrested after a 128-kilometre chase from Delhi; he makes an escape in Telangana

Madikeri: Kodagu Police are facing a serious trouble following the escape of Ankur Rana, one of the key suspects in a murder case, from their custody in Telangana.

This incident comes on the heels of the Police’s successful investigation into the murder of Ramesh Kumar, whose charred body was discovered in the Marigudi area of Panya estate near Suntikoppa recently.

The investigation initially led to the arrest of Ramesh Kumar’s second wife, Niharika, along with Dr. Nikhil Myreddy and Ankur Rana from Haryana. The Police seized a Mercedes Benz, mobile phones, and other items believed to be connected to the crime.

However, the situation took a turn when Ankur escaped from Police custody in Telangana, raising concerns about the handling of the suspects.

Two days prior to his escape, the Kodagu Police had completed questioning Dr. Nikhil and produced him before the Court, where he was placed in  Judicial Custody.

On Oct. 30, a team of 13 officers transported Niharika and Ankur to conduct a spot mahazar at Horamavu in Bengaluru. The following day, the team took both suspects to the murder site near the Uppal-Bhuvanagiri National Highway in Telangana, where they carried out the legal procedures. After completing their work, the officers checked into a hotel near Uppal, approximately 30 kilometres from Hyderabad, where they were supposed to keep the suspects overnight. However, in the early hours of Nov. 1, Ankur Rana managed to escape from the hotel, prompting a manhunt by the Police.

The Kodagu Police had taken the suspects into custody for further investigation and were expected to return them to Judicial Custody on Nov. 4.

Following Ankur’s escape, there are concerns that the Suntikoppa Police and the Investigating Officer may face disciplinary action or suspension.

Notably, Ankur had previously been arrested after a 128-kilometre chase from Delhi, with the Police action captured in a video that went viral, earning widespread praise from the public.

The escape has now overshadowed this success, raising questions about Police protocols and oversight in handling high-profile suspects.