Sources said 39 undertrials were escorted by six armed constables for producing them before a court. Nine undertrials escaped while they were being taken to the court van after their hearing was over. One of the undertrials, Chhabi Nayak, was caught by the police and court staff.

Some persons, believed to be their associates, threw countrymade bombs at the police van waiting near the courtroom to create confusion, the sources said. Taking advantage of the situation, the prisoners made good their escape. The undertrials have been identified as Raja Mallick, Mathana Mallick, Naresh Naik, Athani Naik, Sura Naik, Megha Naik, Hari Naik and Jitu Naik.