Two robbery accused escape police custody at Magistrate’s house, one arrested

KOCHI: Two accused who were arrested in a robbery case escaped from police custody near a magistrate’s house. One of them was caught within one and a half hours after swimming across a river, while the search for the second accused is ongoing.

The accused have been identified as Russel Mohammed (20), from Adoor in Pathanamthitta, and Sooraj (18), from Nooranad in Alappuzha. Both are involved in multiple cases.

The two, along with another accused in a different case, were taken into custody by Kadavanthra police from a hotel in Ernakulam North on Saturday. On Sunday evening at around 5:45 pm, they were brought to the magistrate’s residence near the North Paravur private bus stand for legal procedures, as the court was on holiday.

Three police personnel, including an Assistant Sub-Inspector from Kadavanthra station, were escorting them. While being taken inside the magistrate’s house after removing their handcuffs, Russel and Sooraj managed to escape.

Sooraj jumped into a river near the Chendamangalam bridge. He was later caught around 7:30 pm near Cheriya Pallanthuruthu after a search operation involving police and locals. He was taken for medical examination and shifted to Paravur Police Station. Search operations are continuing for Russel Mohammed in areas around Paravur, including near a temple premises.

The robbery case relates to an incident on Saturday early morning, when a 20-year-old man from Neyyattinkara was lured to an isolated area near Kammattipadam, close to Ernakulam South Railway Station, and robbed of his mobile phone.

The accused had befriended the victim through a gay dating app and called him to the location. Russel Mohammed, Sooraj, and a minor had planned and carried out the robbery. The minor was produced before the Juvenile Justice Board. Police said Russel Mohammed is also involved in several theft cases.