Two hardcore criminals escape from Cuttack’s Choudwar jail amid Dussehra festivities

Raising serious concerns over security arrangements, two hardcore prisoners managed to escape from Cuttack’s Choudwar jail during the ongoing Dussehra festivities on Friday. 

The escaped prisoners have been identified as Raja Sahani and Chandrakant Kumar, both residents of Bihar. 

According to sources, the duo took advantage of the absence of a warder on duty and cut through their cell, fleeing the facility at around 1 am.

Following the incident, Odisha DG Prisons and Choudwar police station IIC have reached the jai.

Meanwhile, jail authorities have reportedly initiated an investigation to ascertain how the prisoners were able to breach their cell and scale the jail walls. Further probe is also underway to ascertain whether they received any external assistance in executing their escape plan.

The fugitives were arrested on January 4 in connection with a high-profile robbery from the Panda jewellery shop located at Panikoili in Jajpur district. 

During the robbery, the accused allegedly opened fire inside the shop, resulting in the deaths of two people. Local residents had intervened at the right time, overpowering the miscreants and handing them over to the police.

Notably, this is not the first instance of prisoners escaping from Choudwar jail. There have been several cases in the past when under-trial prisoners fled while undergoing treatment, and in some instances, inmates even committed suicide.

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No official comment could be obtained from the jail authorities regarding the escape. The incident has once again raised questions about the adequacy of security measures and supervision at jails in Odisha.