KOLLAM: The accused in a rape case escaped with handcuffs from the hospital where he was taken for medical examination. Vishnu (26) alias Pakkaran, who was arrested by the Paripally police, escaped from the Nedungolam Rama Rao Memorial Taluk Hospital.

Then he reached the residence of a relative, who is now living near Chennottikavu temple in Kulathurkonam, removed the handcuffs and left the place with money.

Vishnu is the accused in the case of trying to molest a middle-aged woman who was taking bath last Thursday. He was arrested by the Paripally police yesterday morning. He was taken for medical examination in the evening before being produced in court. After that, Vishnu went to the toilet and ran out, pushing the policeman who was guarding him. Another policeman tried to catch him but he escaped. The police had reached near Kulathurkonam Chennottikavu in the hope that the suspect would arrive. But Vishnu reached there before that and escaped. The police has intensified the search. The image of Vishnu was handed over to all the stations. Inspections are going on at railway stations and bus stands.