By Our Correspondent
CUTTACK/BHUBANESWAR: Choudwar Central Jail (also known as Choudwar Circle Jail) in Cuttack, Odisha, is one of the state’s high-security correctional facilities, often housing hardcore criminals, undertrials, and convicts (including those transferred for enhanced security). It has a capacity of around 1,166 inmates but typically holds about 1,000. The jail has faced recurring scrutiny over security lapses, inmate safety, and administrative issues.
The most prominent recent controversy revolves around a major jailbreak incident in early October 2025, which continues to generate fallout as of January 2026.
The October 2025 Jailbreak Incident: On the night of October 2-3, 2025 (Thursday night into Friday morning), two undertrial prisoners from Bihar—Raja Sahani (from Begusarai/Lohia Nagar) and Madhukant Kumar (from Rampur/Saran)—escaped from the high-security section of the jail.
The duo was accused of murder and robbery: They allegedly killed two people during a January 2025 jewellery shop heist in Panikoili, Jajpur district, and had been shifted to Choudwar from Ragadi sub-jail for security reasons.
They were held in single-room cells in the high-security enclosure (reserved for dangerous inmates).
Method: They cut through iron grills/rods of their cells (possibly using tools), then used ropes made from torn blankets to scale a 12-foot inner wall and the main 22-foot perimeter boundary wall (topped with concertina wire).
Timing: The escape occurred around 1-1:30 AM, reportedly taking advantage of Dussehra celebrations inside the jail (cultural programs involving staff and inmates), which may have distracted security.
Discovery: Noticed on Friday morning, triggering an immediate response.This was described as a “mysterious” and audacious breach—the first major escape from Choudwar since 1999 (when 41 inmates fled during a cyclone-related wall collapse). It embarrassed the Odisha prison administration and highlighted vulnerabilities in a “high-security” facility.
Immediate Aftermath and Actions
Suspensions: Two warders (a chief warder and another) were suspended for negligence/dereliction of duty.
Investigation: Director General of Prisons Susanta Kumar Nath visited the site, ordered a probe by the DIG (Cuttack Range), and emphasized strict action if insider involvement (connivance by staff or external help) was found. A case was registered at Choudwar police station.
Manhunt: Cuttack police launched a search with a dog squad; a ₹50,000 reward was announced for information leading to their arrest. The escapees were suspected to have headed toward Bihar, Jharkhand, or Bengal.
Broader Measures: The Odisha government ordered surprise raids/visits to all jails by district magistrates and SPs. The jailor (female superintendent) of Choudwar was transferred shortly after.
Ongoing Developments (as of January 2026): The case remains unresolved, with the escapees still at large (nearly 4 months later), fueling criticism over police/jail oversight.
Recent escalation (mid-January 2026):A bitter internal clash emerged between jail officials. The former jailor (a lady jailor, reportedly Santoshini Das) filed a complaint/FIR against the current superintendent (Sujit Kumar Raul) at Choudwar police station.
Allegations include: Forgery of signatures, tampering with office records/registers, conspiracy, and manipulation of data related to the escape (e.g., pre-escape register entries).
The superintendent and former jailor have traded accusations, widening the probe into potential administrative lapses or cover-ups. Departmental inquiry is underway, with questions raised about security protocols and accountability.
Other Related Issues at Choudwar Jail (Contributing to Broader Controversy):
The jail has seen additional incidents highlighting systemic problems:
Inmate Deaths: Suicide cases, e.g., a murder convict found hanging from a tree (May 2025) and a money-laundering convict (Pabitra Kumar Sahoo) hanging in the toilet (November 2025).
Inmate Clashes: Violent altercations among prisoners (e.g., CCTV footage of an attack in October 2025).
These have amplified criticism of security, staffing, and oversight. Overall, the 2025 jailbreak and its lingering fallout (including the 2026 official infighting) represent the current major controversy, pointing to lapses in high-security management, potential insider roles, and calls for prison reforms in Odisha. Authorities continue investigations, but public and media scrutiny persists over why the escapees remain uncaptured and internal blame-shifting.
