An under-trial prisoner (UTP), who had been arrested in connection with a rape case, escaped while undergoing treatment at the PRM Medical College Hospital here in the wee hours on Saturday.
The UTP, identified as Kanhu Charan Marandi of Badasahi block in Mayurbhanj district, had been lodged at the Baripada Circle Jail.
Sources said Marandi had been admitted to the hospital due to illness two days back. He absconded from the hospital on the pretext of going to toilet at around 4 am on Saturday.
Taking action in connection with the incident, the jail authorities suspended two warders, Satyabrata Behera and Manas Ranjan Rout, for dereliction in duty as they were in charge of security for the UTP.
Meanwhile, police launched an operation to nab the absconding accused.