In a major security lapse, two undertrial prisoners escaped from the district jail in Kannauj, Uttar Pradesh, in the early hours of Monday, exploiting a thick blanket of fog that reduced visibility to zero. The inmates used six blankets from their barracks to climb the facility's 22-foot-high outer wall, officials confirmed.
The Foggy Escape Plan
The escapees have been identified as Ankit, 25, and Shiva, alias Dumpy, 26. Ankit was facing charges under the Arms Act, while Dumpy was arrested for allegedly eloping with a minor. Preliminary investigations suggest the duo meticulously planned the jailbreak for several weeks. They reportedly identified a blind spot along the prison wall and waited for the perfect climatic condition to execute their plan.
The dense fog on Monday morning provided the ideal cover. Sources stated the visibility was so poor that guards stationed in the watchtowers could not see the entire length of the jail wall. Furthermore, the closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras failed to capture any clear footage of the escape due to the adverse weather conditions.
Administrative Negligence and Fallout
Following the incident, the jail administration took swift disciplinary action. Four prison staff members were suspended for negligence. The suspended officials include Jailer Vinay Pratap Singh, Deputy Jailer Badri Prasad, Head Jail Warder Shivcharan, and Jail Warder Shivendra Singh Yadav.
An official inquiry has been ordered into the lapses that facilitated the escape. The role of the District Jail Superintendent, Bhimsen Mukund, is also under examination by Deputy Inspector General (Prisons), Kanpur range, Pradeep Gupta. The scrutiny intensified after a video surfaced purportedly showing Mukund attending a party with a DJ inside the jail premises a few days prior to the incident.
Terrain Aided Quick Getaway
The location of the jail, situated approximately 25 kilometers from the Kannauj district headquarters, played a role in the escape. During inspection, it was found that agricultural fields lie immediately outside the jail boundary. This terrain provided clear escape routes for Ankit and Dumpy, allowing them to vanish quickly after scaling the wall without immediate obstruction.
Officials admitted that proper surveillance from the watchtowers could have detected the attempt and led to the timely apprehension of the prisoners. The incident has once again raised serious questions about prison security protocols and administrative accountability within the Uttar Pradesh jail system.
Manhunt Underway
In response to the jailbreak, a massive manhunt has been launched to trace and recapture the absconding undertrials. Police teams across the region have been alerted, and security at the Kannauj district jail has been tightened to prevent any further incidents. The search operation is ongoing, with authorities exploring all possible leads to locate the fugitives.
