Suspected Indian Mujahideen operative Afzal Usmani, accused of involvement in the 2008 terror blasts in Surat and Ahmedabad, escaped from custody while being taken for a court hearing in Mumbai on Friday, officials said.

The incident, which has embarrassed police, took place when seven accused in the case were being brought from Taloja Jail in Raigad district to the sessions Court in south Mumbai.