Tura, Nov 26: In a major embarrassment for Meghalaya Police, an Under Trial Prisoner (UTP) escaped the police custody in Tura on Thursday morning.

The UTP, a rape accused lodged in Tura district jail, escaped by jumping out of the vehicle when he was being taken to Tura Civil Hospital.

The UTP has been identified as one Johnstar R Sangma, aged 21, and hailing from Siju area of South Garo Hills district.

West Garo Hills Superintendent of Police, MGR Kumar informed that jail authorities had called in to inform of Johnstar needing emergency medical care, following which an emergency armed escort with guide was dispatched with a gypsy.

Kumar said Johnstar jumped out of the moving vehicle towards the Araimile side of the road with an intravenous saline attached to his hand, as the vehicle neared the hospital.

Meanwhile, Naka checking and search teams have been deployed across all exit points of Tura and the district police have created a task force to try and recapture the UTP.

A preliminary enquiry report is also underway for disciplinary action for lapses, if any, on the part of the escorting team.