Three undertrial prisoners accused of serious offences, including rape and murder, escaped from Khachrod sub-jail near Nagda in Madhya Pradesh’s Ujjain district late on Thursday, triggering a large-scale manhunt and raising concerns over jail security.
The escapees have been identified as Narayan, a resident of Chandwasla village in Bhatpachlana, who is facing charges in a rape case, and Gopal, son of Bapulal from Malakhedi, along with Govind, son of Sharam from Nagda, both accused in a murder case. All three were lodged at the Khachrod sub-jail, located around 70 km from Ujjain city.
According to preliminary information, the prisoners executed the escape around 7.30 pm in what is being described as a planned breakout. They allegedly gained access to a key of the women’s ward inside the jail premises, from where they procured a ladder. Using the ladder, the trio scaled the jail’s boundary wall and fled. The escape came to light only during the routine evening headcount, causing alarm among jail staff.
Following the discovery, jail authorities informed the Khachrod police station, after which an intensive search operation was launched. Police teams were deployed across nearby areas, checkpoints were set up, and alerts were issued to neighbouring districts. Photographs of the three undertrials have been circulated within police networks and shared on social media to assist in tracking them.
The public has been urged to share any information related to the fugitives’ whereabouts while being advised not to approach them due to the serious nature of the charges they face.
The incident has once again brought attention to security arrangements at sub-jails. Sources indicated that the manner in which the prisoners accessed keys and equipment suggests possible lapses in supervision and internal controls. Jail officials have stated that they are coordinating closely with the police to facilitate the recapture of the escapees.
The escape follows a recent incident involving another prisoner from the same sub-jail, accused in a robbery case, who allegedly fled while being taken for medical treatment. Together, the incidents have intensified scrutiny of security protocols and resource constraints at smaller detention facilities in the state.
