UJJAIN (MP), Dec 26: In a major security lapse, three undertrial prisoners accused of rape and murder escaped from Khachrod sub-jail near Nagda in Madhya Pradesh’s Ujjain district late Thursday evening, triggering a large-scale manhunt by police.
The escapees have been identified as Narayan, a resident of Chandwasla village in Bhatpachlana, accused in a rape case, and Gopal, son of Bapulal from Malakhedi, and Govind, son of Sharam from Nagda, both facing murder charges. All three were lodged at the sub-jail, located around 70 km from Ujjain city.
According to preliminary police findings, the jailbreak took place around 7.30 pm and appeared to be carefully planned. The accused allegedly obtained the key to the women’s ward, from where they accessed a ladder. Using it, they scaled the jail’s boundary wall and escaped unnoticed.
The breakout came to light only during the routine headcount later in the evening, prompting jail authorities to immediately alert the Khachrod police station.
Police teams were swiftly deployed across the region, with checkpoints set up and neighbouring districts put on alert. Photographs of the fugitives have been circulated widely on social media and shared with police networks to aid their arrest.
Authorities have appealed to the public to report any sightings of the accused, while cautioning people against attempting to confront them due to the serious nature of the charges they face.
Jail officials said they are coordinating closely with police as the search operation continues. The incident has once again raised concerns over security arrangements in sub-jails, which often operate with limited staff and resources.
Sources pointed out that the ease with which the prisoners accessed restricted keys and equipment suggests possible lapses in internal supervision and security protocols. Further inquiry into the escape is underway.