Chandigarh/Rewari: Authorities in Haryana have taken strict action after two cyber fraud accused escaped from the Rewari district jail, suspending seven jail warders for negligence. While both undertrial prisoners were re-arrested within 24 hours, the incident has raised serious concerns over prison security and monitoring systems.
According to officials, the incident occurred on Friday evening when two undertrial inmates—Zahid (21) and Faizan (22)—were found missing from their barracks during routine roll call. Their absence triggered immediate alarm within the jail administration, following which local police were informed and a large-scale search operation was launched.
Both accused had been arrested in cyber fraud cases, where their bank accounts were allegedly used to route and divert defrauded money. Given the nature of the charges, their escape was treated as a serious security breach, prompting swift action from law enforcement agencies.
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Escape Through Construction Loophole
Preliminary investigation revealed that the accused took advantage of ongoing construction work inside the jail premises. Using a ladder, they managed to scale the boundary wall and escape. The method of escape has raised questions about surveillance lapses, especially in a facility described as modern and well-equipped.
Following the jailbreak, police and special teams conducted coordinated search operations. Zahid was apprehended on Saturday morning, while teams were dispatched to Rampur in Uttar Pradesh to trace Faizan, who was arrested later the same evening. Both were thus taken back into custody within 24 hours of their escape.
Swift Recapture and Disciplinary Action
In the aftermath of the incident, jail authorities ordered an immediate inquiry. Initial findings pointed to negligence on the part of seven warders—five head warders and two warders—who were on duty at the time. While it was clarified that they did not directly assist in the escape, lapses in vigilance enabled the breach.
All seven personnel have been suspended, and a departmental inquiry has been initiated against them. Officials indicated that if further investigation reveals the involvement of any senior official, strict action will also be taken. A team of senior official has been tasked with conducting a detailed probe to identify accountability and systemic gaps.
Questions Over Oversight and Accountability
The Rewari district jail, built at an estimated cost of ₹95 crore, is considered a modern correctional facility spread across 50 acres, with the capacity to house around 1,000 inmates. It includes 11 barracks, two high-security wards, and a control room. Despite these facilities, the incident has exposed vulnerabilities in operational discipline and supervision.
Both accused are currently being interrogated to determine how the escape was planned and whether any external or internal assistance was involved. A separate case has also been registered against them in connection with the jailbreak.
The incident has brought into focus the gaps in prison management and security enforcement. Experts believe that infrastructure alone cannot guarantee safety unless backed by strict vigilance, accountability, and adherence to protocol. Authorities now face the dual challenge of fixing responsibility and strengthening systems to prevent such breaches in the future.
