A convict escaped from police custody near Perundurai in Erode district late on Tuesday (July 21, 2026) after allegedly pushing aside escort personnel when they stopped for a tea break on the Salem-Coimbatore National Highway.The police identified the convict as R. Naresh alias Naresh Kumar (32) of Kadayampatti in Omalur taluk, Salem district. He was convicted in connection with a 2020 case registered by the Salem Government Hospital Police Station under Sections 353, 270, 224 and 506(ii) of the Indian Penal Code.According to the police, Naresh was brought from the Coimbatore Central Prison to a court in Salem by an escort team comprising Special Sub-Inspectors Govindasamy and Subramanian, Head Constable Jegatheesan and driver Ilayaperumal. After the court sentenced him in the case, the team was escorting him back to the Coimbatore Central Prison.At around 11.40 p.m., the escort vehicle stopped near Kallipalayam, close to Perundurai, for a tea break. Taking advantage of the halt, Naresh allegedly pushed aside the escort personnel and fled. A head constable sustained injuries in the incident and was admitted to the Government Hospital, Perundurai.Based on a complaint lodged by the escort team, the Perundurai police registered a case and launched a search. More than 50 police personnel have been deployed to trace the escaped convict. Further investigation is under way. Published - July 22, 2026 05:51 pm IST