Ayodhya Jailbreak: Three More Officials Suspended, Statewide Security Review Ordered
In a significant development following the January 28 jailbreak at Ayodhya district jail, the Uttar Pradesh prisons department has ordered the suspension of three more officials and initiated departmental proceedings against them on Saturday. This action comes as the investigation into the escape of two hardened undertrial prisoners continues to reveal serious security lapses.
Latest Suspensions Based on Inquiry Report
Based on the detailed inquiry report submitted by DIG (Prisons), Ayodhya range, Shailendra Kumar Maitreya, the Director General (Prisons) has ordered the immediate suspension of deputy jailer Raju alias Rajdeep, head warder Prabhunath Kumar, and warder Deepak Kumar Pandey. With these latest suspensions, the total number of jail officials suspended in connection with the incident has now reached fifteen, including senior jail superintendent and jailer positions.
Details of the Jailbreak Incident
The escape occurred on the night of January 28 when two inmates of Ayodhya district jail managed to break through the barrack wall and flee the facility. The escapees have been identified as Golu Agrahari alias Suraj from Amethi and Sher Ali from Sultanpur. Both prisoners were facing serious criminal charges including murder, dacoity, and rape cases, making their escape a matter of grave concern for law enforcement authorities.
Serious Security Lapses Revealed
The inquiry report by DIG Maitreya has uncovered multiple security failures that facilitated the jailbreak. The investigation found that the inmates carried tools inside the barrack, which they used to remove bricks from the wall and escape. This discovery indicates that mandatory frisking procedures were not conducted properly before the prisoners were sent to their barracks.
According to the report, inmates are normally sent to barracks only after thorough evening checks, but this protocol was clearly violated in this case. The responsibility for conducting these checks lay specifically with the suspended deputy jailer, highlighting a clear chain of accountability in the security failure.
Official Statements and Further Investigation
UP DG (Prisons) PC Meena stated that further negligence came to light during the ongoing investigation, necessitating these additional suspensions. "A detailed probe is currently underway, and strict action will be taken against all those found responsible for security lapses," Meena emphasized, underscoring the department's commitment to accountability.
Statewide Security Review Meeting
In response to the security breach, DG Meena chaired a comprehensive statewide review meeting through video-conferencing with all range DIGs, senior superintendents, and superintendents (prisons) to assess security arrangements across all correctional facilities in Uttar Pradesh.
During this crucial meeting, the DG issued stringent directives while taking serious note of existing prison security mechanisms. Special emphasis was placed on strengthening night-time security protocols, with officials directed to:
- Enforce strict night duty schedules for all prison staff
- Conduct mandatory inmate headcounts during night patrols
- Ensure regular surprise monthly alarm drills in every prison facility
- Conduct thorough searches of inmates at the time of jail locking
- Periodically check the operational status of all security equipment
The DG further warned that strict departmental action would be taken against any official found negligent in implementing these enhanced security guidelines. This comprehensive review represents a significant effort to overhaul prison security protocols across Uttar Pradesh in the wake of the Ayodhya jailbreak incident.
