Bhubaneswar: An accused in a rape case escaped from police custody in Bhubaneswar, raising serious questions over security at police stations in the capital city.

According to reports, the accused was brought to Bhubaneswar from Bhadrak by the Mahila police for questioning as he had allegedly raped a woman. After being questioned, police were preparing to produce him before a court.

Before taking him to court, police personnel escorted the accused to a canteen for breakfast. However, he did not eat and instead asked to use the washroom. Taking advantage of the opportunity, he fled from the premises.

Following the incident, an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) of the Mahila police station lodged a complaint at the Capital police station. Based on the complaint, cops have launched an intensive manhunt to trace the absconding accused.

Police have set up checkpoints at various locations across the city and are examining CCTV footage to track his movements. Efforts are underway to re-arrest the accused at the earliest.