Soro (Balasore): A dramatic jailbreak attempt took place at Soro Jail in Balasore district on Tuesday evening when two prisoners tried to escape from custody. While one inmate was quickly apprehended, the other managed to flee, prompting a high-level inquiry into the security lapse.
According to reports, the escape occurred when an under-trial prisoner, identified as Deepak Ray, managed to scale the jail wall after throwing a blanket over the barbed wire. Ray, who had been arrested in connection with a theft case under the Simulia Police Station limits, was lodged in Ward No. 4 of Soro Jail.
Following the incident, Jail Superintendent Bailochan Panda lodged a formal complaint at Soro Police Station, leading to the initiation of a detailed investigation. The jail authorities later confirmed the escape and informed that police teams have launched a search operation to trace the fugitive.
Taking serious note of the incident, Director General of Prisons Sushant Nath has ordered an on-site investigation and sought a detailed report from local jail officials. The DG revealed that Soro Jail currently houses around 250 inmates, but has only three personnel on duty — one stationed at the main gate and two inside the premises.
“This manpower shortage poses significant challenges to maintaining adequate security,” the DG admitted, adding that the issue of insufficient warder strength across Odisha’s jails needs urgent attention.
The latest incident has reignited concerns over repeated jailbreaks being reported from different parts of the state, raising serious questions about prison security management and staff adequacy within Odisha’s correctional facilities.
