Cuttack Choudwar jailbreak: Photos of escaped ‘most wanted’ Bihar criminals, Rs 50,000 reward announced

Commissionerate Police on Friday announced a cash reward of Rs 50,000 and released photographs of two dreaded Bihar criminals who staged a daring escape from Cuttack’s high-security Choudwar Circle Jail late on Thursday night. The duo has now been declared ‘most wanted’.

According to sources, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) of Cuttack released the photographs of the prisoners on the run and announced the reward for their arrest.

“Citizens are requested to provide information on the whereabouts of the accused. Reward: Cash of Rs 50,000 for any information leading to their arrest. Informer's identity will remain confidential,” the officer said in an X post.

The fugitives, identified as Madhukant Kumar and Raja Sahani, reportedly took advantage of Durga Puja celebrations inside the jail late Thursday night to scale the boundary wall and flee in a dramatic, film-style breakout.

Both had been lodged in Choudwar Jail after being arrested in connection with the sensational jewellery shop heist at Panikoili area in Jajpur on January 4. The duo opened fire during the loot, resulting in the deaths of two people.

Earlier yesterday, Director General (Prisons and Correctional Services) Susanta Kumar Nath visited the jail and reviewed the circumstances under which the inmates escaped when staff and prisoners were allegedly celebrating Dussehra on Thursday night. 

During the inspection, Nath found that the iron rods of the prisoners’ cells had been cut before they scaled the boundary wall.

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

Moreover, a chief warder and a warder of the jail have been suspended on charges of negligence in duty. A case has been registered at Choudwar police station, and DIG central range has been entrusted with the investigation.