Bhubaneswar, Oct 14: In the wake of a daring escape by two undertrial prisoners from Choudwar Circle Jail in Cuttack, the Odisha govt has issued directives for surprise inspections across all jails in the state. District Collectors and Superintendents of Police (SPs) have been instructed to conduct unannounced visits to assess security and curb illegal activities within prison premises, officials said on Tuesday.

Inmate Escape Triggers Urgent Action

The move came after two dreaded undertrial criminals, Raja Sahani and Madhukanta Rana, residents of Bihar, escaped from Choudwar Circle Jail on October 3. The incident has raised serious concerns about prison security and prompted swift administrative changes.

Meanwhile, Santoshini Das, the Jailor of Choudwar Jail, was transferred to Kantabanji Sub-Jail, while Raghu Raj Majhi from Kantabanji was appointed to oversee Choudwar Jail.

Also Read: Two Inmates Escape From Choudwar Circle Jail

Rising Concerns Over Jail Misconduct

Director General (DG) of Prisons, Susanta Kumar Nath has acknowledged recurring reports of illegal activities inside jails, including the recovery of narcotics, mobile phones, and weapons from inmates. These issues have persisted despite previous crackdowns, raising questions about the effectiveness of current security protocols.

Families of victims who had filed complaints against the escaped inmates expressed fear for their safety. The incident has sparked calls for a CBI investigation and stricter measures to prevent future breaches.

Surprise Inspections to Reinforce Security

To address these concerns, thehas sent official letters to all district Collectors and SPs, mandating surprise inspections to identify loopholes and enforce discipline. The initiative aims to restore public confidence and ensure that jails do not become hubs for criminal operations.

As Odisha grapples with repeated jailbreaks and allegations of misconduct, the government’s latest move signals a renewed commitment to prison reform and accountability.