Khurda: An undertrial prisoner (UTP) managed to give the slip to on-duty policemen taking advantage of security lapses and fled from the court premises in Khurda district, today.

The fugitive was identified as Sukanta Nayak, who hails from Andharinodha Sahi under Kuhudi police limits of the district. He had been lodged in jail in connection with a POCSO case.

According to an official source, Sukanta was in jail for around the last two years. He was accused in a case for allegedly raping a minor girl. The UTP was to be presented before the court in Khurda and the Investigating Officer (IO) had to appear as a witness. Hence, he was taken from Jharpada jail earlier in the day.

Fearing that he might be convicted in the case, Sukanta hatched a plan and accordingly gave a strong blow to one of the policemen and fled from the spot. Police have launched a manhunt following the incident. However, he has not been traced yet.