The prisoners have been identified as Ravikumar, facing charges of pension fraud, and Bezawada Ramu, accused in a theft case.
Published Sep 05, 2025 | 11:28 PM ⚊ Updated Sep 05, 2025 | 11:28 PM
Vasa Veeraraju, the head warder, was left with head injuries.
Synopsis: Two undertrial prisoners, Ravikumar and Bezawada Ramu, escaped from Chodavaram Sub-Jail in Andhra Pradesh’s Anakapalli district on Thursday after attacking Head Warder Vasa Veeraraju. The escape has prompted a manhunt and increased security in and around the jail. CCTV footage showed the prisoners assaulting the warder, seizing keys, and fleeing through the jail gate.
Two undertrial prisoners being held at the Chodavaram Sub-Jail in Anakapalli district made a dramatic escape on the afternoon of Friday, 5 September, after attacking the head warder Vasa Veeraraju.
The escape triggered a widespread manhunt and heightened security in and around the jail. The prisoners have been identified as Ravikumar, facing charges of pension fraud, and Bezawada Ramu, accused in a theft case.
Speaking to reporters, Head Warder Veeraraju said he was attacked when he attempted to return the prisoners to their cells after cooking duty.
“I pulled out the convicts for cooking. Once the cooking was done, they attacked me when I tried to lock them again. They pushed me away, taking the hammer I keep in a drawer to attack and injure me,” he said.
“I grabbed the hammer in their hands. However, they took the keys away from me, opened the gate, and escaped. There was another staff member close by. However, there was no chance for them to respond in time.”
CCTV footage of the incident shows Ravikumar striking the warder repeatedly on the head with the hammer, followed by a scuffle, before the two prisoners unlocked the gate and fled.
“There were 4 guards, 1 superintendent, me, and a warder on duty. I sent out the warder to purchase bleach. When trying to get back the hammer, I tried dragging it towards the superintendent’s room,” Veeraraju added.
The Chodavaram Sub-Jail, which has a sanctioned capacity of 18 inmates, was housing 10 prisoners at the time of the escape.
The incident has created tension in the region, with additional police personnel deployed to prevent further disturbances and maintain security around the jail.
