Major Security Breach Uncovered at Lunglei District Jail in Mizoram

A significant security breach has been uncovered at Lunglei district jail in Mizoram, where 17 convicts were released using forged court documents created within the jail. The Mizoram Police have arrested an undertrial inmate and a jail staff member for their involvement in this operation. Investigations revealed that fake documents were produced using a computer inside the jail office, leading to alarming implications for prison security. The police are continuing their investigation, with several convicts already rearrested. This scandal raises serious questions about the integrity of the judicial process and prison management.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 11, 2026, 12:02 IST

Security Breach at Lunglei Jail

File image of Lunglei district jail in Mizoram (Photo: prisons.mizoram.gov)

Aizawl, May 11: A significant security lapse has been revealed at the Lunglei district jail, as Mizoram Police disclosed that forged court documents were allegedly created using a computer situated within the jail office to facilitate the release of 17 convicts.

In a surprising twist, an undertrial inmate and a staff member associated with the jail have been implicated in orchestrating this operation from inside the facility.

The Mizoram Police Media Cell reported that Jeremia Lalthangtura, a 25-year-old undertrial from Zemabawk, Aizawl, is believed to be the mastermind behind this scheme.

He allegedly collaborated with C Laltlanhlua, a 31-year-old ambulance driver from Republic Vengthlang, Aizawl, who is linked to the jail.

Both individuals were apprehended on May 1 and subsequently remanded to Lunglei district jail on May 7.

Investigations revealed that the counterfeit release orders, discharge bonds, and fake court documents were produced at two sites: a computer and photocopy shop in Rahsi Veng and, alarmingly, on a computer within the jail office.

Authorities claim that the ambulance driver obtained office keys and kept watch while Jeremia accessed the office computer to create the fraudulent judicial documents.

These forged documents were then allegedly presented to jail officials as authentic court orders, resulting in the release of inmates.

The computer and printer used for generating these fake documents have been confiscated and sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory for analysis.

According to police reports, Jeremia misled fellow inmates by asserting he could arrange legal appeals through known lawyers to secure their release.

Inmates were reportedly charged between Rs 4,000 and Rs 50,000 for these services.

Investigators estimate that approximately Rs 1.35 lakh was collected from inmates, with the proceeds allegedly divided between the two suspects.

Transactions were reportedly processed through the ambulance driver’s bank and GPay accounts, while Jeremia allegedly utilized the driver’s mobile phone from within the jail.

This scandal first emerged when the District and Sessions Judge of Lunglei judicial district identified inconsistencies in documents presented by two undertrial prisoners on April 24.

Further verification indicated that multiple inmates had been released using forged judicial documents.

Police later confirmed that 17 convicts, including those involved in POCSO, NDPS, and theft cases, had been released between January 30 and March 18 this year via fake court orders.

Following an extensive search operation, 13 of the released convicts have been located so far. Eleven have been rearrested and returned to jail, while one died post-release, and another was apprehended earlier by Khawzawl police.

Authorities stated that the investigation is ongoing, with more findings anticipated as the inquiry continues.