Mangaluru : The Udupi district police authorities have suspended four police constables, including a head constable, pending an inquiry, from Manipal police station, in connection with the escape of a rape and murder accused when he was being escorted to Hiriyadka jail.

The suspended police personnel are head constable Umesh, constables Rehamatullah and Channesh and driver Suresh. Hanumanthappa Basappa Kambali, who hails from Bagalkot, and is an accused in the rape and murder of a minor in Manipal, escaped when being taken to jail to jail on Sunday, leading to disciplinary action being taken against the policemen.

According to sources, Basappa was produced before a special court on Sunday, and was remanded in 14 days judicial custody. While he was on way to jail in Hiriyadka, he managed to escape, and was caught a day later. A case was registered at Hiriyadka police station in this regard. “Considering this as dereliction of duty, Nisha James, superintendent of police, Udupi, has ordered for their suspension,” added a source from the police department.