Bhubaneswar: A total of 13 prisoners have escaped from jails, and 8 inmates have committed suicide in the state over the past 17 months, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi informed the State Assembly on Monday.
The CM also reported that 39 accused managed to flee from police custody during the same period.
Responding to a question by Lakshmipur MLA Pabitra Saunta, CM Majhi stated that these incidents were recorded between July 1, 2024, and December 1, 2025. The Chief Minister further said that in the past year alone, 31 under-trial prisoners died in custody, while 74,236 prisoners were released from state jails. As of November 24, 2025, a total of 18,659 inmates are lodged across all jails in Odisha.
Addressing concerns about jail security, CM Majhi emphasised that the government strictly prohibits the entry of alcohol, intoxicants, or other banned substances into prisons. He said any information regarding contraband is thoroughly investigated, and the jail administration conducts regular searches, strengthens security measures, and verifies all incoming information to prevent unauthorised entry.
The Chief Minister also noted that any irregularities identified are immediately addressed by the jail authorities in accordance with rules.
