Three convicted inmates have successfully escaped from the Loknayak Jayaprakash Narayan Central Jail, or JP Jail, in Hazaribagh, Jharkhand, a stark security breach that has ignited a widespread manhunt. The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, has cast a shadow over the security protocols of what is considered one of the state’s most fortified correctional facilities. Jail Superintendent Chandrashekhar Suman confirmed the escape, stating that initial investigations point to all three fugitives hailing from the Dhanbad district. Comprehensive details of the escapees are being compiled and shared with law enforcement agencies to facilitate their rapid apprehension.

The escape was discovered during a routine morning headcount. When prison staff noticed three individuals were unaccounted for, an immediate internal search commenced, with the possibility that the prisoners were merely hiding within the jail complex. However, the failure to locate them prompted authorities to escalate the alert. The district administration and police were notified, leading to a lockdown of the jail perimeter and surrounding areas. Intensive search operations were launched in potential hideouts.

Law enforcement across adjacent districts has been mobilized, with enhanced checkpoints established to prevent the convicts from leaving the region. Surveillance systems have been activated to track any movements of the escapees. The breach has stunned officials, particularly given JP Jail’s reputation as a high-security institution. The facility boasts a five-tiered security system, constant CCTV monitoring, and armed guards at all access points, and houses dangerous criminals and Maoists.

This escape is particularly alarming as the jail’s security had reportedly seen recent upgrades. Just months prior, the Jail Inspector General had suspended twelve security personnel due to prior security concerns. This latest incident renews scrutiny of the effectiveness of the prison’s security measures.