Choudwar Jail superintendent transferred amid security lapse

In the aftermath of the recent escape of two inmates from Bihar lodged in Choudwar Circle Jail, Odisha’s prison administration initiated a swift reshuffle on Monday.

Also Read: Fugitives who escaped from Choudwar jail still at large after 5 days

Jail Superintendent Santoshini Dash has been transferred to Kantabanji Sub-Jail, signalling administrative accountability following the security breach.

Replacing her at Choudwar is Raghuraj Majhi, the current Jailor of Kantabanji Sub-Jail. The change comes as part of immediate measures to strengthen jail security and restore public confidence in the State’s correctional system.

The daring escape of the Bihar-origin prisoners had raised serious questions about internal surveillance and management at Choudwar—the State's largest and most high-security jail. Investigations are going on, and more action is expected as higher authorities examine the lapses that led to the incident.

This decision of the Directorate of Prisons & Correctional Services under the Home Department underscores the government’s zero-tolerance stance on negligence in custodial facilities.

“In view of exigencies of public service and administrative requirement, Santoshini Dash, Jailor of Circle Jail, Cuttack at Choudwar, is hereby transferred and posted to Sub-Jail, Kantabanji on administrative ground,” a notification of the DG of Prisons & DCS stated.

“Raghuraj Majhi, Jailor-cum-Superintendent of Sub-Jail, Kantabanji, is hereby transferred and posted to Circle Jail, Cuttack at Choudwar in place of Santoshini Dash, Jailor transferred. This order shall be given with immediate effect,” the official communiqué said.

Worth mentioning, it has been eleven days since two dreaded criminals had escaped from the high-security Choudwar Circle Jail in Odisha's Cuttack district — yet their whereabouts remain a complete mystery.

The two fugitives, identified as Madhukant Rana and Raja Sahani from Bihar, had made a daring escape in the dead of night on October 2, under the cover of Durga Puja celebrations inside the prison.