Choudwar Prison Escape: Odisha Jail Officials Clash Over Allegations of Forgery and Negligence
Cuttack: The dramatic escape of two inmates from Choudwar Circle Jail has triggered a storm of allegations and counter‑allegations within the prison administration, exposing deep fissures in Odisha’s correctional system.
Former jailer Santoshini Dash has accused Superintendent Sujit Kumar Roul of tampering with official records between October 1–3, 2025, to falsely show his presence inside the jail.
Dash claims this manipulation was aimed at shielding Roul from responsibility for the escape of inmates Raja Sahani and Madhukant Kumar, both hailing from Bihar.
Roul, however, has denied the charges and launched his own complaint, alleging that Dash allowed the prisoners undue freedom during the Dussehra festivities, which enabled their breakout.
He further accused her of financial irregularities in the jail canteen and dereliction of duty.
Police have registered both complaints and seized CCTV footage for investigation. The parallel probes now focus on alleged forgery, negligence, and misconduct.
The incident has placed Choudwar jail under intense scrutiny, raising serious questions about accountability, security lapses, and administrative integrity in Odisha’s correctional facilities.
