Cuttack Choudwar jailbreak: Manhunt for dreaded criminals enters fourth day; lapses surface, police clueless

Four days after two dreaded criminals from Bihar, Madhukant Rana and Raja Sahani, escaped from Cuttack Choudwar Circle Jail late Thursday night, police still remain clueless about their whereabouts despite announcing Rs 50,000 reward for any information regarding them.

In the meantime, shocking lapses have come to the fore, which may explain how the two dreaded inmates managed to hoodwink personnel inside the high-security prison and escape while taking advantage of Durga Puja celebrations inside the facility.

Most Wanted Criminals Execute Movie-Style Operation

According to sources, Rana and Sahani executed their escape in a movie-style operation, scaling the prison’s outer wall under the cover of night while inmates and staff were engaged in festive rituals.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the iron rods of their cell had been sawed through in advance, suggesting careful planning and possible inside assistance. The escape went unnoticed until a headcount the next morning confirmed that both inmates were missing.

The incident occurred despite the Choudwar jail’s high-security tag, which houses several dangerous offenders. However, authorities are still probing how the two managed to breach multiple security layers, including watchtowers, floodlights, and perimeter patrols, without detection.

It is worth noting that the fugitives, Madhukant Rana and Raja Sahani, are wanted in multiple violent cases, including a sensational armed robbery that left two people dead in Jajpur earlier this year.

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Officials Under Scrutiny

The jailbreak prompted an emergency inspection by Director General (Prisons) Susanta Kumar Nath, who personally visited the Choudwar facility to review security lapses.

During his visit, Nath confirmed that the cell bars had been tampered with before the escape and that night, security arrangements were also inadequate.

Following the probe, the chief warder and one warder were immediately suspended for dereliction of duty. A criminal case has also been registered at Choudwar Police Station, and the DIG, Central Range, has been assigned to conduct a detailed investigation into how the breach occurred within such a heavily guarded establishment.

Meanwhile, reports also cited officials who suspect the two may attempt to flee to Bihar using road routes through Sambalpur or Jharsuguda. Raids are being carried out across railway stations, bus depots, and hotels as part of the intensified search operation.