Serial rapist escapes from Bengaluru jail

A notorious criminal and serial rapist on Sunday escaped from the high-security central prison, where he was lodged since 2011, police said. Additional Director General of Police (prisons) K V Gagandeep told PTI that 11 prison officials, including an Assistant Superintendent, two jailers and a chief warden, have been suspended, for the alleged dereliction of duty.

Jaishankar, 36, facing as many as 24 cases of rape, murder and dacoity in Karnataka and outside, was lodged in the underground cell of the high-security Parappana Agrahara jail because he had "psychological problems".

He managed to open the cell with "some sort of thing", came to the ground floor and climbed the 20-feet wall with the help of a pole which led to the outer wall, planted with glass pieces.

Jaishankar, who was also reportedly wearing police uniform, then used a bed-sheet and belt to jump out of the prison. "He is injured badly. There are blood-stains at the spot", Gagandeep said.

Others who have been suspended are one head warden and six wardens. Jaishankar was in the jail since 2011. Deputy Inspector General (prisons) Vishwanathaiah is conducting a preliminary inquiry into the incident.