Two undertrial prisoners, both facing charges under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, managed to escape from the Central Jail in Srinagar on Sunday. Officials confirmed that the inmates scaled the front-side wall of the high-security prison to make their getaway.
The escaped individuals have been identified as Farman Khan, a resident of Sadanpora in Rajasthan, and Mukhtar Ahmed Gujar, who hails from Sanglan Chittergul in the Anantnag district of south Kashmir. Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that both men were lodged in the jail in connection with separate cases involving serious allegations.
Farman Khan was taken into custody on June 23. He was reportedly facing charges stemming from an FIR registered at the Lar police station in Ganderbal district. According to the officials, the FIR included various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and specific provisions of the POCSO Act, namely sections 3 and 4, which pertain to penetrative sexual assault. His incarceration was a direct result of these serious accusations.
Similarly, Mukhtar Ahmed Gujar was admitted to the jail on April 13. His case also involves a separate FIR, this one registered at the Soura police station in Srinagar. Like Khan, Gujar is also accused under various sections of the BNS and sections 3 and 4 of the POCSO Act. The circumstances of his alleged offenses are distinct from Khan’s but equally grave under the law.
Following the discovery of their escape, authorities immediately launched a massive manhunt to locate and apprehend the two fugitives. The Jammu and Kashmir Police have issued a wanted notice for both Farman Khan and Mukhtar Ahmed Gujar. In an effort to expedite their capture, a reward has also been announced for any information that leads to their arrest.
The police are urging the public to come forward with any information that could assist in tracing or apprehending the escaped inmates. Citizens have been advised to contact their nearest police station or dial the emergency number 112 to report any relevant details. Further investigations into the precise methods and circumstances surrounding their escape from the high-security facility are ongoing, with officials indicating that more details are expected to emerge as the manhunt progresses.
The escape from a high-security prison raises significant questions about the security protocols in place at the Central Jail in Srinagar. Incidents of this nature can have a profound impact on public trust and the perceived effectiveness of the correctional system. The focus now shifts to the swift apprehension of the escapees and a thorough review of the security breaches that allowed them to flee. The involvement of the POCSO Act in both cases underscores the sensitivity and gravity of the situation, prompting concerns about potential risks to the public.
Authorities are working to establish how the undertrials managed to overcome the security measures designed to prevent such occurrences. The coordinated efforts involving multiple police units are aimed at ensuring that Khan and Gujar are brought back into custody without delay. The police are appealing for cooperation from the community, emphasizing that any piece of information, no matter how small, could be crucial in the ongoing operation. The reward offered is intended to incentivize the public to actively participate in the search, highlighting the urgency and importance placed on recapturing the fugitives.
The investigation into the escape is expected to delve into all aspects of the jail’s security infrastructure and operational procedures. This includes examining surveillance systems, personnel conduct, and any potential lapses that may have been exploited. The outcome of this investigation will likely lead to recommendations for enhancing security and preventing future escapes. The police have not yet released specific details regarding the exact time of the escape or how they managed to scale the wall, but it is understood that the incident was discovered during routine checks.
The wanted notices disseminated by the police provide descriptions of the escapees and their last known affiliations, aiming to equip the public with the necessary information to identify them. The appeal for public assistance is a standard procedure in such cases, leveraging the eyes and ears of the community to aid law enforcement. The success of the manhunt will depend on the effectiveness of these appeals and the diligence of the police in following up on all leads. The jail authorities are cooperating fully with the police investigation to ascertain the full details of the incident.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.
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