PRAYAGRAJ, Dec. 25 -- : The main accused in the rape of an eight-year-old girl escaped from police custody at Pratapgarh Medical College Hospital on Wednesday. The accused was receiving treatment for a gunshot injury suffered during a police encounter. The escape triggered public anger and a large manhunt in the district.

Four police personnel, including a sub-inspector deployed to guard him, have been suspended, officials said. The incident took place on December 20 in Udaidih Bazaar under Patti Kotwali police station. The girl had gone to the fields in the evening when the accused allegedly raped her. After a complaint by the girl's father, police registered a case under the POCSO Act.

The accused was identified as Javed alias Chandba...