Patient escapes from mental health centre in Thrissur, attacks three before recaptured

A man who escaped from the Mental Health Centre, Thrissur, allegedly stabbed three people in separate incidents during the early hours of Saturday, creating panic in the area before he was recaptured and taken back to the hospital.

The accused, identified as Suraj, 31, a Nepal native, had been brought to the Thrissur Mental Health Centre from Aluva by the police around 1.30 a.m. Soon after being admitted, he reportedly escaped through a pathway near the toilet area around 2 a.m.

While fleeing, he first attempted to enter a ladies’ hostel. When Murali, who runs the hostel, tried to stop him, he stabbed him and caused injuries. Suraj then allegedly stabbed two more individuals near West Fort. Three people were injured in the incidents and were admitted to private hospitals for treatment.

Police and hospital authorities launched a search operation immediately after the escape. The escaped patient was later traced, taken into custody, and brought back to the mental health centre. Further investigation into the incident is under way.