Intensive Manhunt Underway After Convicts Escape Kalaburagi Central Prison

In a shocking incident, three convicts escaped from Kalaburagi Central Prison, leading to a massive manhunt. One convict has been captured after a police encounter, while the search for the remaining two continues. The escape has raised serious concerns about prison security and potential insider involvement. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the jailbreak, which has prompted statewide alerts and scrutiny of prison operations. Read on for more details about this unfolding situation.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 15, 2026, 12:09 IST

Convict Captured Following Prison Break

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Kalaburagi, July 15: In a dramatic incident, one of the three convicts who escaped from Kalaburagi Central Prison in Karnataka was apprehended during a police encounter early Wednesday morning. The convict, identified as Santhosh Basappa Metre (28) from Bidar district, was shot in the right leg after allegedly attacking police officers near Humnabad Ring Road. Two officers, Kalyani and Prakash, were also injured and are currently hospitalized.

This prison break has raised significant concerns for the state government, especially since Kalaburagi is the home district of Home Minister Priyank Kharge.

According to law enforcement, the trio managed to escape on Tuesday by cutting through the grill of their barrack and scaling a 20-foot-high wall. CCTV footage captured them leaving the prison and getting into a vehicle.

Police Commissioner S.D. Sharanappa stated that a case was filed at Farhatabad Police Station following a report from prison officials, leading to the formation of multiple special teams to locate the escapees.

Sharanappa confirmed that the three convicts included individuals convicted of rape and POCSO offenses, as well as one serving a sentence for murder, all hailing from Bidar district.

Special teams from various police departments, including Kalaburagi City Police and the North Eastern Range DIG's office, have been deployed for the search operation.

Authorities noted that the escapees avoided main roads and traveled through agricultural fields. They initially moved in pairs before separating to evade capture.

On Wednesday morning, police received a tip-off about a suspect's movement near Humnabad Ring Road. When officers arrived and ordered the suspect to surrender, he allegedly attempted to attack them, prompting police to fire in self-defense, resulting in his injury.

Santhosh Basappa Metre, who was serving a life sentence for a rape and POCSO case, had been incarcerated in Kalaburagi Central Prison since 2025.

Police indicated that Santhosh had been with one of the other escapees but separated upon noticing increased police activity on the roads.

Authorities have issued alerts across districts and continue to search for the remaining two convicts, Mastaan and Sagar.

The escape has led to a statewide alert and raised questions about prison security, particularly regarding potential insider assistance. Investigators are looking into whether prison staff may have aided the escape, as the convicts were reportedly outside their cells during the night.

Despite continuous surveillance and security measures, including CCTV and CISF personnel, the escape has been classified as a significant security failure, prompting discussions of disciplinary action against negligent prison staff.

Investigators are also exploring the possibility of external assistance for the inmates post-escape.