Convicted Thief Raghavan Escapes Police Custody for Second Time in Coimbatore

UPDATE - follow-up to Man escapes from police custody before being lodged in Coimbatore Central Prison: Twenty-five-year-old theft convict Raghavan escaped from police custody in Coimbatore during the early hours of Saturday, October 31, 2026. This marks the second time he has escaped from police custody. He had previously fled on June 19, 2026, while being transported from Coimbatore to Bengaluru, leading the Annur police to register a case against him. Following that earlier incident, he was arrested again in Bhavani on Friday, October 30.

Escape Details

Raghavan was produced before a magistrate at the Fast Track Court in Coimbatore at roughly 11 p.m. on Friday and sent to judicial custody. He fled at around 12:40 a.m. on Saturday right before entering the Coimbatore Central Prison gates by pushing the police officers who were escorting him. The Race Course police filed a case based on a complaint from the Annur police. In response to the security concerns, two prison department petrol bunks operated by inmates were closed on Saturday.

Search and Action

Law enforcement has launched a major search operation involving both the Coimbatore City and District police units, overseen by senior officers. Special teams are using drone surveillance, checking CCTV footage, and conducting intense vehicle checks, while nearby police units remain on high alert. Meanwhile, four police officers tasked with escorting Raghavan have been suspended for duty lapses.

Context

Escapes during transit or prison admission typically prompt immediate internal inquiries and security reviews within law enforcement agencies. Authorities rely heavily on multi-agency coordination, surveillance technology, and roadblock checks to trace fugitives in urban and district areas.