PUNE: Dr. Pravin Deokate, the suspended head of the orthopedic department at Sassoon General Hospital, was apprehended by the city crime branch on Monday night in connection with the escape of notorious drug lord Lalit Patil from the hospital's prison ward on October 2nd.

The Crime Branch inspector, Nandkumar Bidwai, along with his team, presented Dr. Pravin Deokate in a city court on Tuesday. Subsequently, the court sanctioned police custody for the doctor until December 7 in connection with the case.

Dr. Pravin Deokate becomes the 15th individual to be arrested in relation to the escape incident, following the arrest of Sanjay Kashinath Marsale, 53, the chief medical officer at Yerawada Central Jail, earlier on Monday. A senior police officer disclosed that three additional doctors from Sassoon Hospital are currently under investigation.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Amol Zende informed TOI that Dr. Pravin Deokate's involvement came to light during the questioning of Mahendra Yashwant Shevate, 57, a co-accused and a peon at Sassoon Hospital, who was apprehended on November 27.

(Input from various media sources)

(Rehash/Jeba Aslam Mulani)