PANJIM: The Goa Police on Tuesday released mug shot images with different appearance of the gang rape accused Ishwar Makhwana, who managed to give the police the slip by escaping from T B Hospital early Monday morning. 

Pictures of the accused with and without facial hair was circulated to the media with an intention to give it wide publicity, to facilitate the police nab the accused. “A reward of Rs 1 lakh will be given to any information leading to his arrest,” SP Kartik Kashyap told reporters. 

Makhwana, one of the three prime accused in the Betalbatim gang rape case had escaped from Ward Number II of T B Hospital in Panjim where he was admitted since November 28 for treatment. The under trial, who has criminal cases registered at police stations back in his native state in Madhya Pradesh, is said to have fled around 5:30am. 

Although a police case is registered and four errant personnel including a head constable are suspended, his escape has left the police force in a tizzy. “He is capable of remaining in hiding even under extreme conditions and walk several kilometers. We apprehend he might leave the State. Our counterparts in the neighbouring districts and his home town are alerted about his escape. Extra vigil across all public places like bus stands, railway stations, etc are maintained,” said a police officer conceding that the department is so far groping in dark.  

While the search is on, a senior police officer revealed that his associates Sanjeev Dhananjay Pal (25) and Ram Santosh Bhariya (24); also facing trial in the Betalbatim case, might be questioned in connection with Makhwana’s escape. “Dhananjay and Bhariya will be questioned whether the escape was pre-planned. If they are involved in plotting his escape, they will also be booked for the separate offense,” he said.