Robbery case accused who fled custody still on the run

Kochi: One among the two accused who escaped custody of Kadavanthra police on Sunday was still on the run. According to police, the accused has gone missing with handcuffs still on his arm.The accused, identified as Suraj, 20, of Nooranad, Alappuzha, and Russell, 20, of Pathanamthitta, were arrested in a robbery case. The duo escaped when they were taken to North Paravur to be presented before a magistrate at his residence. The accused, who were handcuffed together, requested permission to urinate when police jeep reached near North Paravur private bus stand at 5.45pm. When police stopped to allow the request, the accused escaped as soon as they unlocked handcuffs. Handcuffs were still on Russell's arm when the duo ran after attacking police officers.Suraj jumped into a river near Chendamangalam bridge while being pursued by police. He was later found in Thuyithara area and taken into custody. Police have intensified search to capture Russell.Meanwhile, Suraj was produced before a magistrate and remanded in judicial custody. Additional charges for escaping from custody and obstructing police officers from discharging their duties have been invoked against him, sources said.Police said the accused were booked in multiple cases recently for attacking youngsters and robbing them of gold and other valuables. The accused had robbed two youths in separate locations recently.They were arrested in connection with the robbery that occurred in the early hours of Saturday. The accused attacked a Thiruvananthapuram native near Kammattipadam and robbed him of money. A third accused, who was a minor, was presented before juvenile justice board in this case.