Berhampur: An under trial prisoner (UTP) being treated for COVID escaped from MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur on Saturday morning.
Hospital sources said the UTP, Mirata Singh, had been undrgoing treatment at the premier hospital for five days.
The sources said Mirata hailed from Nayagarh. He had tested COVID positive on July 31 and admitted to a hospital in Baliguda. Later, he was shifted to the COVID hospital of MKCG in Berhampur.
According to sources, police first discovered Mirata missing from his hospital bed around 4 am on Saturday. Police have launched a manhunt for the escapee.
MKCG Medical Superintendent Prof Santosh Kumar Mishra said, “The patient was referred from Baliguda. His condition has improved. He escaped before discharge from the hospital. Two police employees were there near the gate to guard him. We have informed the matter to the Baliguda police station. They will check the CCTV footages.”
Notably, Mirata was arrested on July 4 for allegedly smuggling ganja. He had been lodged in Baliguda jail since then.