Escape of Undertrial Inmate Raises Security Concerns in West Bengal

Incident Overview

Kolkata, Dec 8: An undertrial inmate, facing charges under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, has escaped from a correctional facility located in Hooghly district, West Bengal. This incident has led authorities to request a report regarding the security breach that enabled the escape, as confirmed by police officials on Monday.

Details of the Escape

The escape was discovered on Sunday morning during a routine headcount by prison staff at the Serampore Subsidiary Correctional Home. Following the incident, the administration has called for a comprehensive report from the jail superintendent. Additionally, police are preparing to issue a look-out notice for the escaped inmate.

Official Statements

According to Sombhudwip Sarkar, the Sub Divisional Officer of Serampore, a report has been requested from the jail superintendent of the facility. He stated, "An investigation has commenced based on the report. Authorities learned of the escape on Sunday, and police are actively searching for the individual."

Arnab Biswas, Deputy Commissioner of Police for Serampore under the Chandannagar Police Commissionerate, confirmed that a formal complaint had been filed by the correctional home authorities, prompting the initiation of an investigation. He noted, "The correctional facility has submitted a written complaint to the Serampore police station, and an inquiry is underway. The accused was being held at the Serampore sub-correctional center in connection with a POCSO case that was being heard in the Serampore court. A look-out notice will be issued if necessary."

Circumstances of the Escape

Reports indicate that the undertrial was accounted for during the Saturday night headcount, as documented in the daily report by prison guards. However, during the following count, his cell was discovered to be empty. The warden promptly notified the Chandannagar Police Commissionerate and district authorities.

The escaped inmate has a history of multiple complaints lodged against him at the Rishra and Mogra police stations.