Commissionerate Police arrested Madhukant Rana, one of the two murder accused who escaped from Choudwar Circle Jail in Cuttack.
The arrest took place in Uttar Pradesh after a coordinated manhunt.
Rana and another inmate, both from Bihar, had cut through iron bars of their cells and fled under cover of darkness. Jail staff discovered the escape during routine inspection. Authorities admitted a serious lapse in surveillance and monitoring.
Police formed special teams to track the fugitives, reviewing CCTV footage and questioning jail staff. The escape triggered widespread concern among locals, prompting increased patrolling near residential areas.
Officials confirmed that both prisoners were repeat offenders with a history of attempted escapes. They had recently been transferred from Jajpur Jail to Choudwar.
Following the incident, two warders and the Chief Warder of Choudwar Jail were suspended for negligence. Jail authorities blamed poor vigilance for the breach, while the Prison Department ordered a detailed inquiry.
Investigators revealed that the prisoners broke iron rods, used blankets to scale the rear wall, and fled from separate cells. Security staff failed to detect the escape in time.
The Jail DG directed Cuttack Range DIG to probe the incident and review surveillance systems. Authorities promised strict action against those responsible and assured that security protocols will be revised to prevent future escapes.
Police continue to search for the second fugitive, with operations underway across districts and transport hubs.
