Fugitive Madhukant Rana Apprehended in Uttar Pradesh After Daring Jailbreak
In a significant breakthrough, Madhukant Rana, a criminal who escaped from Choudwar Circle Jail in Cuttack on October 3, 2025, has been captured in Uttar Pradesh following a meticulously coordinated operation by the Cuttack police. The arrest concludes an intensive manhunt that spanned multiple states and involved sophisticated investigative techniques.
Background of the Accused and Initial Escape
Madhukant Rana, aged 24 and originally from Bihar's Saran district, was initially arrested in Panikoili in January of the previous year. His arrest was linked to serious charges including dacoity, murder, and illegal possession of firearms. After being transferred from Jajpur Road sub-jail, he was lodged in Choudwar Circle Jail, where he orchestrated his escape.
According to detailed investigations, Rana escaped along with a co-accused, Raja Sahani, by scaling the jail boundary wall under the cover of darkness. The breach went undetected by jail authorities until both men had already vanished, prompting Choudwar police to register a case under Sections 262/3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Elusive Tactics and Multi-State Manhunt
Commissioner of Police S Dev Datta Singh revealed that Rana employed a range of deceptive strategies to evade capture. "The accused frequently changed his locations, identities, and occupations to avoid arrest," Singh stated. "He also skillfully avoided electronic surveillance, making the chase particularly challenging."
In response, police launched extensive raids and verification drives across several states, including Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Karnataka, and Nagaland. The search initially yielded only fragmented clues, such as brief CCTV footage near the jail boundary wall, jail records indicating possible reconnaissance behavior, and minor leads emerging from various parts of the country.
To tackle these challenges, multiple police teams were formed to pursue parallel lines of inquiry. These efforts combined technical intelligence, human sources, and cross-jurisdictional coordination, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to modern policing.
Breakthrough and Arrest in Vrindavan
The turning point came when specific intelligence indicated Rana's presence in Uttar Pradesh. Acting on this tip, a special team from the commissionerate police proceeded to Vrindavan and coordinated closely with local law enforcement. Rana was discovered living under the alias 'Basu Pandey' and working at a guest house attached to an ashram.
To confirm his identity, an undercover police officer stayed at the guest house. "During the chase, the absconding accused himself escorted the decoy to the allotted room, which strengthened our suspicion regarding his identity," a police officer involved in the operation disclosed. This covert confirmation led to Rana being taken into custody without incident.
Legal Proceedings and Ongoing Investigations
Following his arrest, Madhukant Rana was produced before a court in Mathura, where transit remand was obtained for his subsequent production before a court in Cuttack. This legal step ensures his return to Odisha to face justice for his escape and original crimes.
Meanwhile, efforts continue to trace the second escapee, Raja Sahani, and to identify any individuals who may have sheltered Rana during his period of absconding. The commissionerate police team received crucial assistance from the Bihar Special Task Force (STF) and Mathura police during the operation, highlighting the importance of inter-agency collaboration in such high-stakes cases.
This arrest underscores the relentless pursuit of justice by law enforcement agencies, even in the face of sophisticated evasion tactics. It serves as a reminder of the extensive resources and coordination required to apprehend fugitives who pose a significant threat to public safety.
