Two special teams have been formed to trace a life convict who escaped from the Government Mohan Kumaramangalam Medical College and Hospital in Salem while undergoing treatment, the police said on Wednesday (May 14, 2026).

Mohammed Hussain, 36, of Athirampattinam near Pattukottai in Thanjavur district was serving a life sentence in a rape and murder case and lodged in Salem Central Prison. He had been admitted to the hospital after complaining of piles-related ailments.

The police said the convict sought permission to use the restroom on May 9, 2026 and escaped after breaking a window and climbing down through a drainage pipe. A case was registered at the Salem Government Hospital police station and search operations intensified. Teams from the prison department and Salem city police were searching in Salem, Thanjavur and Coimbatore.

Two prison warders on duty at the hospital were placed under suspension pending inquiry. Police sources said more than 40 criminal cases were pending against Hussain. His wife was also being questioned as part of the investigation.