Choudwar jail escape case: Superintendent and former jailer trade complaints, probe widens

The controversy surrounding the escape of two undertrial prisoners from Choudwar Jail has deepened, with the jail superintendent and a former jailer filing counter-complaints against each other. The development has triggered a broader inquiry into alleged procedural lapses, record manipulation, and accountability in connection with the incident.

Jail Superintendent Sujit Roul on Monday lodged a complaint at Choudwar police station against former jailer Santoshini Dash, accusing her of abusing him and issuing threats. The complaint came a day after Dash filed a police complaint against Roul on Sunday, escalating tensions between the two officials over the escape case.

Allegations of Forgery and Record Manipulation

In her complaint, Santoshini Dash accused the jail superintendent of forgery and misuse of official authority. She alleged that after the escape of two undertrial prisoners from Circle Jail, Cuttack, on October 3, 2025, official documents were deliberately altered to create a false defence.

According to the complaint, the Gate In-Out Register dated October 2, 2025, was manipulated after the incident to falsely indicate the superintendent’s presence and to suggest that proper supervision was in place at the time of the escape.

Claims of Unauthorised Absence

Dash further claimed that Sujit Roul was on unauthorised absence during the time of the incident and arrived only after the prisoners had already escaped. She alleged that records were retrospectively fabricated to conceal this absence and shield those responsible from accountability.

The complaint also raised concerns about possible conspiracy, destruction of evidence, and abuse of official position. It alleged that forged signatures were used in official registers, causing damage to her reputation and undermining the integrity of the investigation.

Also Read: Cuttack DCP inspects Choudwar Jail, makes security review

Inquiry Likely to Expand

Police sources said both complaints are being examined, and further investigation will determine the veracity of the allegations. The exchange of counter-complaints is expected to widen the scope of the probe into the Choudwar jail escape, with officials indicating that all procedural and administrative aspects will be scrutinised.