Soro Sub-Jail Prisoner Escape: Two Wardens Suspended, Manhunt Launched
In a serious breach of prison security, a convict from Jharkhand escaped from Odisha’s Soro Sub-Jail on the evening of October 21, 2025, triggering a statewide manhunt and disciplinary action against jail staff.
The fugitive, Deepak Kumar Ray from Bokaro Steel City in Jharkhand’s Dhanbad region, reportedly exploited a lapse in supervision during evening hours to flee undetected. His absence was discovered during routine checks, prompting immediate alarm.
Baripada Jail Circle Superintendent Manoranjan Pratihari launched a preliminary investigation overnight, identifying negligence by on-duty personnel.
By Wednesday afternoon, Balasore SP Pratyush Diwakar conducted an on-site review, and Director General of Prisons Susant Kumar Nath suspended two wardens—Banamali Behera and Bikash Behera—for dereliction of duty.
Authorities have issued lookout notices across Jharkhand and multiple districts in Odisha to apprehend Ray. The incident has raised serious questions about prison oversight and interstate coordination in handling high-risk inmates.
