Ramanagara: A woman accused in theft cases escaped from police custody late at night from the Sakhi Centre at the district hospital in Ramanagara.

The accused has been identified as Mala (40), a resident of Hosur in Tamil Nadu.

Police had arrested her in connection with a case where she allegedly cheated a woman and stole 350 grams of gold jewellery in the limits of Magadi Police Station.

After her arrest, police had kept her at the Sakhi Centre for questioning.

According to police, around 12.30 am on Thursday night, the accused managed to escape after misleading the police personnel who were guarding her.

Officials said the woman is involved in several theft cases and was wanted by police. A search has been launched to trace the accused.