AP police mount massive manhunt for escaped criminal Bathula Prabhakar

Amaravati: Andhra Pradesh police have launched an intensive manhunt to nab criminal Bathula Prabhakar, who escaped from police escort while returning to jail. The search operation is underway across both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, with 15 special teams formed to nab him.

The team includes 10 Circle Inspectors, 15 Sub-Inspectors and 40 personnel. A dedicated team has also been sent to Hyderabad.

How did the escape happen?

According to the Kovvur police, Prabhakar escaped on Monday night near Duddukur in Devarapalli mandal of East Godavari district.

He was a remand prisoner lodged in Rajamahendravaram jail, facing trial along with two other ganja-related accused. On Monday morning, they were taken to Vijayawada court and while being brought back by an ASI and two escort staff, the escape occurred.

During the return to jail, the vehicle stopped at a roadside hotel in Duddukur.

While the two ganja accused were handcuffed together, Prabhakar’s hands were chained separately. When he requested to step aside to urinate, one side of his handcuff was unlocked. Taking advantage, he bolted into nearby fields and fled.

The incident occurred ten minutes before the police vehicle had to reach the jail.

A native of Chittoor, Prabhakar is a habitual offender with a long criminal history. He is accused in 42 cases across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, mainly involving thefts at educational institutions and hospitals.

He also faces 44 cases in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka. Known for repeatedly evading arrest in the past, his latest escape has highlighted negligence in prisoner escort procedures.