Prisoner who swallowed nails to get to Gandhi Hospital escapes through washroom window

The prisoner escaped from Gandhi Hospital in Hyderabad during treatment. Image is for representational purposes only | Photo credit: RAMAKRISHNA G

An accused in the Chanchalguda Jail theft case staged a dramatic escape from Hyderabad’s Gandhi Hospital after swallowing five nails while in jail to be taken for medical treatment.

The absconding prisoner, identified as Syed Ameer Hussain, aged around 25, was arrested by the Trimulgherry police under Malkajgiri Commissionerate for stealing a mobile phone from a vendor at a busy vegetable market in Bowenpally. He was remanded in judicial custody for 14 days and was shifted to Chanchalguda jail on 19 May.

The incident was reported just five days into his custody on Sunday (May 24, 2026), when Ameer swallowed five nails in what police suspect was a calculated attempt to secure a hospital visit. Alarmed, the jail authorities immediately shifted him to Gandhi Hospital for treatment and observation.

While being treated at the hospital, Ameer complained of stomach trouble and asked permission to use the toilet. There he made his move.

Police said the accused escaped through the washroom window before jumping over the wall of the complex and fleeing the hospital premises, causing panic among the escort staff. “He went through the window and then jumped over the wall to escape from the hospital,” a police official said.

A case has been registered and two special teams have been formed to trace the absconding accused. Police are examining CCTV footage from the hospital and surrounding areas to trace his movements after the escape.

According to an official from Trimulgherry police station, Ameer is a resident of Bowenpally and lives with his family, including parents and siblings. Search teams from Trimulgherry and Bowenpally police stations are now working to trace him.

Officials said they have identified several places where the accused often stayed and are focusing their search on those places first.

Police records show that Ameer is a repeat offender involved in at least four kidnapping cases reported from Trimulgherry and Bowenpally areas. Investigators described him as a habitual offender who often targeted crowded marketplaces.

Published – 26 May 2026 13:31 IST