Cop held over escape of detainee

An ASP has been detained for investigations into the escape of a detainee from the court compound in Penang.

GEORGE TOWN: Police have detained a 55-year-old officer to facilitate investigations behind the escape of a trial detainee from the court compound here yesterday.

Penang police chief Deputy Comm Abdul Rahim Hanafi said K Prabaharan, 45, was earlier brought from Cameron Highlands by police to attend a trial here.

He is on trial for posing as a doctor on Facebook and duping five women of cash and valuables.

Abdul Rahim said during the journey back to Penang an assistant superintendent instructed the police escorts to go the court building for another hearing.

Prabaharan, also known in Facebook as Casanova, was still handcuffed when he fled on foot from the magistrate’s court compound at about 2pm.

“We have detained the ASP to help in investigations,” the CPO told a press conference.

Abdul Rahim believes Prabaharan, who was last seen in collarless purple T-shirt and brown short pants, was still loose in town.

Earlier this year, nine detainees, who were on their way to court in Butterworth from Penang Prison, also fled from the police car after throwing curry powder in the faces of their escorts.