Action after escape of 2 hardcore criminals from Choudwar jail; 2 jail warders suspended

Two jail warders, including the chief warder, have been suspended for dereliction of duty after two hardcore prisoners escaped from Cuttack’s Choudwar jail late on Thursday night.

According to sources, the fugitives, identified as Raja Sahani and Chandrakant Kumar of Bihar, cut through the iron rods of their cells and scaled the boundary wall using a makeshift rope made from blankets.  Both were lodged in separate cells, but they managed to coordinate their escape while the warders were reportedly absent from duty.

Following the jailbreak, the Odisha Director General of Prisons Susanta Kumar Nath visited Choudwar jail and directed a thorough inquiry. The DIG (Cuttack Range) has been asked to probe the circumstances under which the escape took place and ascertain whether any assistance was provided to the prisoners.

“I have visited the jail to ascertain under what circumstances the prisoners managed to escape from the Jail. The DCP also visited the spot. A case has been registered, and further investigation into the matter is on. Those who will be found guilty, necessary action will be taken. A chief warder and a warder have been suspended, and DIG (Cuttack Range) is investigating the matter,” Nath informed. 

The convicts had been lodged in the prison since January after their arrest in connection with a sensational robbery at Panda Jewellery shop at Panikoili in Jajpur. During the heist, they allegedly opened fire inside the shop, killing two people. The duo was caught by local residents and handed over to the police.

Also Read: Two Hardcore Prisoners Flee Cuttack’s Choudwar Jail During Dussehra

This incident has once again highlighted glaring lapses in prison security, with questions being raised about supervision, infrastructure, and staff accountability in Odisha’s jails. Meanwhile, a manhunt has been launched to trace the absconding inmates.