Baripada: An Under Trial Prisoner (UTP), who was arrested in connection with a rape case, escaped while undergoing treatment at PRM Medical College and Hospital here in the wee hours today.

The UTP identified as Kanhu Charan Marandi of Badasahi block in the district, was lodged at Baripada Circle Jail here.

Sources said Marandi was admitted to the hospital due to illness two days back. He absconded from the hospital on the pretext of going to toilet at around 4 AM today.

Taking stern action in connection with the incident, the jail authorities suspended two warders, Satyabrata Behera and Manas Ranjan Rout, for dereliction in duty.

Meanwhile, police police have launched a manhunt to nab the accused.