Manhunt Underway After 4 Under-Trial Prisoners Escape from Chhattisgarh Jail

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A large-scale manhunt is underway in Chhattisgarh after four prisoners, all under trial for serious offenses, including rape and charges under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, escaped from a district jail in Korba. The jailbreak, which occurred on Saturday afternoon, has raised questions about security lapses at the facility.

The four escapees were identified by police as Dashrath Sidar (19), Chandrashekhar Rathia (20), Raja Kanwar (22), and Sarna Sinku (26). According to an official, the prisoners made their escape sometime between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. by scaling a wall of a cowshed located inside the prison premises. They reportedly used a rope to aid their escape. Rathia is from Raigarh, while the other three are residents of Korba.

Authorities were immediately alerted to the escape, and a massive search operation was launched to apprehend the fugitives. The police have set up checkpoints and are actively searching the surrounding areas. The jail administration has also initiated a separate internal investigation to determine how the men managed to escape.

Initial reports suggest the possibility of an insider’s role, as the electricity to the jail was cut off at the time of the escape. This detail is a key focus of the ongoing investigation. The incident has drawn attention to the need for stricter security protocols in correctional facilities, especially those housing individuals accused of violent crimes.

The escape of these four men highlights the persistent challenge of maintaining prison security in the state and across the country. While authorities are working to capture the escapees, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of robust prison management and oversight to ensure public safety.