Guwahati: Following a significant security breach at Morigaon District Jail, where five inmates escaped during a jailbreak, two wardens, Tapan Bhuyan and Anup Malakar, have been suspended for alleged negligence.
The suspension was prompted by an investigative report from the Inspector General (IG) and Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Prisons, which revealed major security lapses that enabled the escape.
The jailbreak occurred in the early hours of October 11, coinciding with Durga Puja celebrations. Five undertrial prisoners exploited the festive atmosphere to dismantle iron bars and use blankets and bed sheets to scale the 20-foot jail walls.
Their escape has raised concerns about the jail’s security protocols and exposed vulnerabilities within the system.
In a tragic turn of events, Abdul Rashid, one of the escapees, was found dead in a pond in Lahorighat on October 14. Investigations are ongoing to determine whether his death was accidental or if foul play was involved.
Meanwhile, the remaining four escapees—Saifuddin, Jiarul Islam, Nur Islam, and Mafidul—are still at large, leading to an extensive police manhunt across the region.
In the aftermath of the jailbreak, several disciplinary actions have been taken to address the security oversights.
On the same day as the escape, Morigaon District Jail Jailer Prasanta Saikia was suspended, and Assistant Jailer Nabadeep Lekharu was transferred to Nagaon Special Jail. Additionally, Jail Superintendent Manas Das has been reassigned to Hamren Jail.
A magisterial inquiry has been launched by the District Commissioner of Morigaon, with Additional District Magistrate Pallavi Kachary appointed to lead the investigation.
Her report will be crucial in determining the root causes of the jailbreak and implementing reforms to prevent future incidents.
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