Major Security Breach at Ayodhya District Jail as Two Undertrial Prisoners Escape
In a significant security lapse that has raised serious concerns, two undertrial prisoners managed to escape from the Ayodhya district jail on Thursday. The incident has triggered widespread panic within the prison administration and prompted an extensive manhunt operation involving multiple police and prison authority teams.
Details of the Jailbreak Incident
The escaped inmates have been identified as Golu Agrahari alias Suraj Agrahari, a resident of Amethi district, and Sher Ali, hailing from Sultanpur district. According to jail officials, both prisoners executed their escape by first breaking open the isolation barrack where they were lodged. Subsequently, they scaled the prison's boundary wall and fled into nearby areas, disappearing before authorities could respond effectively.
Massive Police Response and Search Operation
Following the jailbreak, senior prison and police officials immediately rushed to the scene. Multiple specialized teams have been constituted to trace and apprehend the fugitives. A senior police officer confirmed that alerts have been issued to police units across Ayodhya and adjoining districts as part of the coordinated search effort.
Authorities have established checkpoints at all key exit routes from the region while intensifying surveillance at railway stations, bus terminals, and other sensitive locations. The police are conducting thorough searches in surrounding areas and have appealed to the public for any information that might lead to the prisoners' capture.
Criminal Backgrounds of Escaped Prisoners
According to official prison records, Sher Ali, son of Rafiq Ali and resident of Amremao village under Karaudi Kala police station in Sultanpur district, had been lodged in Ayodhya district jail since November 28, 2024. He was facing trial in multiple serious criminal cases including:
- Attempt to murder registered at Kotwali Bikapur police station in Ayodhya
- Robbery case at Sarpataha police station in Jaunpur
- Charges under the Gangsters Act at Jaysinghpur police station in Sultanpur
The second escaped prisoner, Golu Agrahari alias Suraj Agrahari, son of Sadhuram and resident of Musafirkhana in Amethi district, had been in the jail since September 14, 2025. He was an undertrial in a particularly serious criminal case registered at Inayatnagar police station in Ayodhya involving:
- Assault on a woman
- Violations under Sections 3/4 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act
- Charges under Section 3(2)(5) of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act
Administrative Fallout and Suspensions
Senior district officials have ordered a comprehensive inquiry into the incident to identify security lapses and fix responsibility. Jail staff who were on duty at the time of the escape are being thoroughly questioned as part of the investigation. Authorities have assured that the fugitives will be apprehended at the earliest and strict disciplinary action will be taken against anyone found negligent.
In a significant development, Director General (Prisons) PC Meena has taken cognizance of the Ayodhya district jail incident and sent a report to the state government recommending the suspension of Senior Jail Superintendent UC Mishra. Additionally, Meena has ordered the suspension of Jailer JK Yadav, Deputy Jailer Mayank Tripathi, Head Warder, and three jail warders pending further investigation into the security breach.
Security Concerns and Preventive Measures
The escape has raised serious questions about security protocols at the Ayodhya district jail and prompted authorities to review existing safety measures. Prison officials are examining how the prisoners managed to break open the isolation barrack and scale the boundary wall without detection. The incident highlights potential vulnerabilities in prison infrastructure and monitoring systems that require immediate attention.
As the manhunt continues, police have intensified patrolling in surrounding areas and are coordinating with neighboring districts to prevent the escaped prisoners from leaving the region. The case has drawn significant attention from higher authorities who are monitoring developments closely to ensure the fugitives are captured and security protocols are strengthened to prevent similar incidents in the future.
