In a shocking security lapse at the Soro Sub-Jail in Odisha’s Balasore district, a prisoner from Jharkhand managed to escape on Tuesday evening, prompting swift action against two on-duty wardens.
The incident has triggered an immediate investigation by local authorities, with alerts issued across multiple states to apprehend the fugitive.
The escaped convict, identified as Deepak Kumar Ray from Bokaro Steel City in Jharkhand’s Dhanbad region, slipped away from the jail premises undetected late on October 21. Sources indicate that Ray, who was lodged in the jail’s barracks, exploited a momentary oversight during the evening hours to make his getaway. The escape came to light only after routine checks revealed his absence, sending jail officials into a frenzy.
Baripada Jail Circle Superintendent Manoranjan Pratihari rushed to the scene overnight for a preliminary probe, conducting a thorough inspection of the facility and questioning staff. His initial findings pointed to negligence by the personnel on shift, leading to immediate repercussions.
By midday Wednesday, Balasore Superintendent of Police (SP) Pratyush Diwakar arrived at the sub-jail for an on-site assessment.
In a decisive move, Director General of Prisons, Susant Kumar Nath ordered the suspension of the two wardens on duty—Banamali Behera and Bikash Behera—citing gross negligence in their supervisory roles.
To track down the absconding prisoner, police have issued lookout notices to stations across Jharkhand, as well as various districts and PSs within Odisha.
