Morigaon, Assam — In a critical development, Morigaon Police have successfully recaptured one of the five inmates who escaped from Morigaon District Jail earlier this month.
The inmate, identified as Saifuddin, was apprehended in the Nagaon Stand area under Morigaon Sadar Police Station on Saturday.
Saifuddin, a resident of Mahmari Pothar in Lahorighat, had evaded capture since October 11, when he and four other prisoners executed a coordinated jailbreak.
Police revealed that after his escape, Saifuddin initially fled to Dimapur, Nagaland, seeking refuge. However, his return to Morigaon ultimately led to his capture. Saifuddin, who has been serving time under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, is now under police custody.
Authorities are hoping his interrogation will yield insights into the planning and execution of the jailbreak and potentially lead to the recapture of the remaining escapees.
The escape has left the Morigaon District Jail under intense scrutiny as security concerns grow. Three inmates—Ziarul Islam from Misamari in Tezpur, Mafidul Islam from Moirabari, and Nur Islam from Laharighat—remain at large.
The fifth escapee, Abdul Rashid, was found deceased in a pond in Lahorighat on October 14, though the circumstances of his death are still under investigation.
In the wake of the incident, jail security protocols have come under fire. Jail Wardens Tapan Bhuyan and Anup Malakar have been suspended for potential negligence, with further administrative action taken, including the suspension of Jailer Prasanta Saikia, the transfer of Assistant Jailer Nabadeep Lekharu to Nagaon Special Jail, and the reassignment of Jail Superintendent Manas Das to Hamren Jail.
The District Commissioner of Morigaon has ordered a magisterial inquiry into the jailbreak to examine possible lapses in security and ensure accountability within the jail administration.
With the search for the remaining escapees still underway, local authorities remain on high alert, aiming to strengthen security measures and restore public confidence.
Read More: Nine Candidates File Nominations for Assam’s 11-Dholai (SC) By-Election