Ludhiana, Feb. 7 -- An undertrial prisoner escaped from police custody while undergoing treatment at the civil hospital on Friday afternoon, once again raising concerns over security arrangements at the healthcare facility.

The escaped undertrial has been identified as Satpal Singh alias Sattu, who is facing a criminal case registered at the Samrala police station and was lodged in Central Jail. Police said Satpal was suffering from piles and was initially being treated at the jail hospital. As his condition worsened, he was referred to the civil hospital for further examination.

Jail staff brought Satpal to the facility under police escort along with other inmates. After obtaining the OPD slip, the police personnel took him to consult ...