Thanjavur: An accused arrested near Kumbakonam last night in connection with a drunken brawl and damaging a car’s windscreen gave police the slip and escaped while he was being produced at the magistrate’s residence.

A quarrel broke out between Raja (26) and Balamurugan (26), both hailing from Ramanujapuram, on Monday night at Thiruppanandal bazaar. The duo, who was fully drunk, attacked and damaged the windscreen of a car that was passing through the area. Based on a complaint by Ziauddin, owner of the car, Thiruppanandal police registered a case and arrested both of them.

Being late in the night, the accused were being taken to be produced at the magistrate’s quarters. They were escorted by two Special Sub-Inspectors (SSI) of Police. Much to the shock of the two SSIs, Raja gave them the slip and escaped.

Based on a complaint by SSI Ravichandran, Kumbakonam East Police registered a case and are on the lookout for the escapee.

The police, however, produced the other accused, Balamurugan, before the magistrate. He was remanded to judicial custody and subsequently was lodged at the Central Prison in Cuddalore.