Odisha Prisons Directorate Considers Transferring Recaptured Inmate Amid Security Fears
In a significant development following the recapture of escaped inmate Madhukant Rana, the Odisha prisons directorate is actively considering transferring him to another facility. This move comes as officers express reluctance to lodge him again at Choudwar jail, citing serious security grounds. Rana, who had been on the run since his dramatic escape in October 2025, was recently apprehended, but concerns over potential vulnerabilities have prompted authorities to seek alternative arrangements.
Background of the High-Profile Escape Case
Madhukant Rana and his associate, Raja Sahani, both hailing from Bihar, were originally incarcerated in Choudwar's high-security cells. Their imprisonment stemmed from allegations of murdering two individuals during an attempted robbery at a jewellery shop in Jajpur district in January 2025. Initially held at Jajpur district jail, they were subsequently transferred to Choudwar for enhanced security measures. However, on October 3, 2025, amidst Dussehra festivities within the prison, the duo managed to escape from what is reputed to be one of the state's most fortified correctional facilities.
According to Biren Sahoo, deputy inspector general (prisons), "As per standard protocol, Rana should be retained in Choudwar jail since a case was registered against him at the Choudwar police station following the jailbreak. Nevertheless, we intend to seek the court's permission to relocate him elsewhere based on pressing security considerations." Sahoo further emphasized that in the wake of this incident, security protocols have been rigorously tightened across all prisons in Odisha to prevent any similar escape attempts in the future.
Investigation into the Elaborate Jailbreak
Rana was eventually tracked down to Vrindavan in Uttar Pradesh, where he had been working incognito at a local guesthouse. His associate, Raja Sahani, however, remains at large, with ongoing search operations aimed at his capture. The Commissionerate police are currently delving into possible collusion by jail staff in facilitating the escape. Suspicion of insider involvement intensified after former jailer Santoshini Dash and current senior superintendent Sujit Kumar Raula filed mutual complaints, each accusing the other of negligence that may have enabled the inmates' flight.
Rishikesh Khilari, DCP (Cuttack), stated, "We will take Rana on remand to thoroughly investigate whether any jail staff assisted him and Sahani. Those who might have provided assistance outside the prison will also face stringent legal action. Our search operations are continuing unabated to apprehend Sahani."
Details of the Meticulously Planned Escape
Investigations have revealed that the duo executed their escape by cutting through the iron bars of their individual cells and using ropes crafted from torn blankets to scale the 22-foot perimeter wall. Police authorities are still attempting to ascertain how they obtained the tools necessary to saw through the grills without detection. One police officer noted, "The escape appears to have been meticulously planned over several days, likely with insider assistance. The ability to cut iron bars silently and scale a wall topped with concertina wire without alerting guards raises profound security questions."
It was disclosed that the inmates first scaled the 12-foot wall of the high-security enclosure before breaching the 22-foot main boundary wall. Police authorities have insisted that such an elaborate escape would have been virtually impossible without some form of assistance from within the jail premises.
Ongoing Security and Legal Implications
The case has underscored significant security lapses within Odisha's prison system, prompting a comprehensive review of protocols and staff accountability. As the investigation progresses, authorities are focused on ensuring that all individuals involved, whether inside or outside the jail, are held accountable under the law. The potential transfer of Rana to another facility highlights the ongoing challenges in maintaining security in high-risk cases, with the prisons directorate prioritizing preventive measures to avert future incidents.
