Nawada (Bihar): A notorious criminal, wanted in over 12 cases of murder and kidnapping for ransom, escaped from the Nawada district court lock-up today (Feb 28, 2004) after breaking open the wall of the lavatory.

The police said Bacchu Mahto, wanted for kidnapping and murder by the Nalanda, Sheikhpura and Nawada police and also named accused in the Aphsar and Kochgawan massacres, escaped when he was brought to the court for production.

While 12 people were killed in the Aphsar massacre in June 2000, seven persons were killed in Kochgawan killings that took place in February last year.

The borders of the district have been sealed in order to nab the escapee, the police said.