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

It has been five days since two dreaded criminals escaped from the high-security Choudwar Circle Jail in Odisha's Cuttack district — yet their whereabouts remain a complete mystery.

Also Read: Choudwar jail escape: Mobile phone, charger seized; probe suggests major conspiracy and lapses

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

The sensational jailbreak has left police officials red-faced and has raised serious questions about jail security and internal lapses.

According to sources, the duo had used blankets, towels, shirts, and even their trousers to fashion a makeshift rope — executing the escape in full Bollywood style.

They reportedly climbed out of their cell by tearing through metal bars, then scaled the outer wall undetected. It is suspected they had insider help, though no official confirmation has been made yet.

Twin City Commissionerate Police has recently declared a Rs 50,000 cash reward for any credible information leading to their capture.

The escape has triggered widespread concern and speculation: Where did they go? Who helped them? — With no arrests or clues so far, the suspense only grows deeper.

Following the jailbreak, a search of the inmates’ cell led to the recovery of a mobile phone, charger, and power bank concealed inside the toilet.

Investigators also found that the CCTV camera facing the cell had been deliberately turned away, indicating clear signs of premeditated planning.

It is said, one of the prisoners had previously informed authorities about the presence of suspicious items in the cell. However, despite this alert, routine cell inspections mandated under the jail manual were allegedly ignored.

It has now come to light that the cell, where both inmates were housed, had not been searched for over three months.