Two Inmates Booked Under POCSO Act Escape From Srinagar Central Jail, Massive Search Underway
Authorities have initiated a wide-scale search after two prisoners booked in separate cases under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act fled from the Central Jail in Srinagar. Official reports indicate that the two individuals managed to scale the high-security facility’s front-side wall on a Sunday to make their escape.
What Happened
According to jail authorities and police officials, the two escapees were identified as Farman Khan, from Sadanpora in Rajasthan, and Mukhtar Ahmed Gujar, hailing from Sanglan Chittergul in the Anantnag district of south Kashmir. Both were being held at the high-security prison in connection with distinct criminal cases involving charges of penetrative sexual assault under sections 3 and 4 of the POCSO Act along with provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Official records show that Khan was admitted to the Srinagar Central Jail on June 23 following an FIR registered at the Lar police station in Ganderbal district. Gujar had been lodged at the correctional facility earlier, on April 13, following an FIR filed at the Soura police station in Srinagar. Law enforcement authorities confirmed that further details explaining the specific operational circumstances of how the perimeter wall was scaled are still awaited.
Key Highlights
- Two inmates booked under the POCSO Act and the BNS escaped from Srinagar Central Jail by scaling the front-side wall.
- The escapees are identified as Farman Khan of Rajasthan and Mukhtar Ahmed Gujar of Anantnag.
- Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel have been guarding the inner and outer perimeters of the facility since October 2023.
- Jammu and Kashmir Police have issued wanted notices and announced financial rewards for details leading to their capture.
- The public has been requested to provide any relevant information by reaching out to local police stations or calling emergency number 112.
Why This Matters
The escape represents a notable security breach at a high-security prison guarded by armed personnel from the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). CISF forces were deployed in October 2023 to provide armed protection across both the Central Jail in Srinagar and the Central Jail in Jammu, tasked with safeguarding both outer and inner perimeters using modern surveillance systems, strict access controls, and trained manpower.
What to Watch Next
Police authorities have declared a massive manhunt across the region to locate and apprehend the two individuals. A wanted notice has been circulated, and official cash rewards have been announced for credible information aiding their arrest. Law enforcement continues to urge anyone with details to alert authorities via local police stations or through the emergency helpline 112.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the two escaped inmates?
The escaped individuals have been identified as Farman Khan, a resident of Sadanpora, Rajasthan, and Mukhtar Ahmed Gujar, a resident of Sanglan Chittergul in Jammu and Kashmir’s Anantnag district.
What legal charges were the escapees facing?
Both individuals were booked in separate FIRs under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and sections 3 and 4 (penetrative sexual assault) of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
Who provides security for Srinagar Central Jail?
The facility’s inner and outer perimeters are guarded by personnel from the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), who were deployed to the facility in October 2023.
How can citizens report information regarding the escapees?
Members of the public can report details to their nearest police station or contact the police by dialling emergency helpline 112.
Source: Reporting based on an official dispatch by The Hindu.