FIR Filed Against Banda Jail Officials Over Illegal Gangster Release
In a significant crackdown on prison administration lapses, an FIR has been registered against three senior officials of Banda District Jail in Uttar Pradesh for the unauthorized release of notorious gangster Ravindra Nagar, also known as Ravi Singh or Ravi Kana. The action follows a departmental inquiry that uncovered serious procedural violations and misconduct.
Details of the Illegal Release and Subsequent Action
According to official records, the FIR was lodged at Kotwali Nagar police station based on a complaint filed by Jail Chowki In-charge Sub-Inspector Anurag Pandey. The case has been registered under Section 260(c) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023. The departmental inquiry was conducted by DIG (Prisons) of Prayagraj Range, Rajesh Srivastava, who found three prison officials guilty.
The officials implicated are:
- Banda Jail Superintendent Anil Kumar Gautam
- Jailor Vikram Singh
- Deputy Jailor Nirbhay Singh
The inquiry determined that while Superintendent Gautam was responsible for supervisory negligence, Jailor Vikram Singh and Deputy Jailor Nirbhay Singh were primarily accountable for the illegal release. Following preliminary findings, Jailor Vikram Singh was suspended first, with the superintendent and deputy jailor subsequently suspended as well.
Background of the Case and Court Proceedings
Ravi Kana, a resident of Dadupur under Dankaur police station in Gautam Budh Nagar, was incarcerated in Banda District Jail in connection with Case Crime No. 20/2026 registered at Sector-63 police station in Noida. The charges against him included Sections 308(5), 351(2), and 3(5) of the BNS. A valid B-warrant issued by a Gautam Budh Nagar court in an extortion case had been formally submitted to the Banda jail authorities.
On January 29, 2026, the accused was produced before the Chief Judicial Magistrate of Gautam Budh Nagar via video conferencing from Banda jail. However, police allege that just hours after this virtual court appearance, the jail administration illegally released Ravi Kana from custody without any written court order and without informing the court.
Investigation and Official Response
The unauthorized release prompted strong objections from the court, leading to immediate action. Taking the matter seriously, SP Banda Palash Bansal constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) under the supervision of the ASP to probe the circumstances surrounding the release.
"This is a highly sensitive matter. Every procedural and administrative aspect is being examined to determine individual responsibility and any possible criminal conspiracy," stated SP Bansal.
Meanwhile, Banda police have formally registered the criminal case against the three officials, and the SIT has intensified its investigation. Officials revealed that the team is examining documentary, technical, and circumstantial evidence and is likely to summon the accused officers for questioning in the coming days to ascertain criminal liability.
Ongoing Proceedings and Future Actions
The DIG has submitted his detailed inquiry report to the prisons headquarters, where preparations are underway to initiate strict departmental action against the erring officers. Authorities have indicated that both departmental and criminal proceedings will be pursued simultaneously, with stringent action promised against those found responsible for the illegal release of the gangster.
This case highlights significant concerns about prison administration protocols and underscores the commitment to accountability within the system. The investigation continues as authorities work to ensure justice is served and prevent such incidents in the future.
