A convicted prisoner who escaped from the Salem Government Mohan Kumaramangalam Medical College and Hospital earlier this month was apprehended by the Salem City Police after a 13-day search operation.

Police said Mohammed Hussain of Adhirampattinam in Thanjavur district is involved in 32 criminal cases, including robbery, dacoity and offences under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. He has been convicted in 12 cases, including a life imprisonment sentence awarded by a Special Court in Tiruchi in a POCSO case.

According to the police, Hussain was recently transferred from the Central Prison in Tiruchi to the Salem Central Prison on administrative grounds. He was admitted to the Government Mohan Kumaramangalam Medical College and Hospital on April 28 after complaining of persistent stomach pain while lodged in prison.

Police said that during treatment, he allegedly planned his escape and absconded from the hospital on the night of May 9 by pretending to be seriously ill. Following the incident, a special team was formed to trace him. The police team conducted searches at various locations, analysed available data and interrogated suspects across the State. Based on the investigation, Hussain was traced and arrested at Virudhunagar on Friday (May 22, 2026). He was later remanded in judicial custody, police added.