Two inmates who escaped from the high-security Central Jail Srinagar on August 23 have been traced and arrested in Rajasthan, marking a major breakthrough in the manhunt launched by Jammu and Kashmir Police. The duo were apprehended in the Rajgarh area of Churu district with assistance from Rajasthan Police.
The inmates have been identified as Farman Khan, a resident of Rajasthan, and Mukhtar Ahmad Gujar from Chittergul in Anantnag district. Both were facing separate cases registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and had been lodged in Central Jail Srinagar.
According to officials, the two inmates escaped by scaling the front-side wall of the prison, prompting authorities to sound an alert and launch an extensive search operation. Police also issued lookout notices and expanded the search beyond Jammu and Kashmir to track their movements.
Following their arrest in Rajasthan, police teams from Srinagar have travelled to the state to complete the necessary formalities and take custody of the accused. They will subsequently be brought back to Srinagar for further legal proceedings.
Meanwhile, an internal inquiry has been ordered to examine the circumstances surrounding the jailbreak and determine whether any security or procedural lapses contributed to the escape. The investigation is expected to review security arrangements, surveillance systems and personnel deployment at the jail.
