Cuttack, Jan 19: The dramatic escape of two inmates from Chaudwar Jail in October 2025 has now sparked a bitter conflict between the current Jail Superintendent and a former Jailor.

Both officials have lodged complaints against each other at Chaudwar Police Station, leading to a fresh controversy within the prison administration.

According to reports, former Jailor Santoshini Das had earlier filed a complaint against Jail Superintendent Sujit Kumar Raul, accusing him of forgery in official signatures.

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Police registered the case and began investigation. However, in a retaliatory move, Superintendent Raul has now filed a counter-complaint against Das, alleging financial irregularities and negligence during her tenure.

Raul’s complaint claims that Das was involved in misappropriation of jail canteen funds and failed to properly monitor the two inmates from Bihar who escaped in a “filmy style” on October 3, 2025. He further accused her of dereliction of duty and misconduct during her service at Chaudwar Jail. Police have registered his complaint as well and initiated parallel investigations.

The escape of the two prisoners had already raised serious questions about security lapses in the jail. The incident embarrassed the prison administration and triggered demands for accountability. Now, the exchange of allegations between two senior officials has deepened the crisis, exposing internal rifts within the system.

Meanwhile, police sources confirmed that both complaints are being investigated thoroughly, with multiple angles under scrutiny. The authorities are examining financial records, duty logs, and security arrangements to determine the validity of the charges.

The ongoing probe is expected to shed light not only on the escape incident but also on alleged irregularities within the prison administration. For now, the Chaudwar Jail controversy continues to dominate headlines, highlighting the need for stronger accountability and transparency in Odisha’s prison system.