Superintendent of Police, Michael Raj S, said Chaitab Birua, an accused in a murder case, was brought to the Chaibasa court along with around 90 others for production.
After they were brought back to jail, one was found missing during head count.
The officials immediately rushed to the court lockup, where one of the ventilator was found broken and it was being suspected that Birua escaped through that passage.
He said a manhunt was launched and action would be taken against the erring policemen.