Tripura government has suspended five jail officials, including a jailor and four warders, after six undertrial prisoners escaped from Dharmanagar Sub-Jail in North Tripura. The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, has raised serious concerns about the state’s prison security system.
According to officials, one of the six escaped prisoners has already been re-arrested, while efforts are ongoing to track down the remaining five. Following the jailbreak, the state government moved quickly to enforce accountability and announced disciplinary proceedings against the concerned jail staff.
An order issued by the Inspector General of Prisons stated that disciplinary proceedings are being initiated against Sri Dhananjoy Bhattacharya, Jailor of Dharmanagar Sub-Jail. Bhattacharya has been placed under immediate suspension, and his headquarters have been shifted to Kamalpur Sub-Jail in Dhalai district. During his suspension period, he is not permitted to leave headquarters without prior approval from the competent authority.
In a separate directive, four warders—Parikhan Jamatia, Gedu Mia, Notan Lodh, and Pallab Kanti Bhowmik—were also suspended pending disciplinary action. They have been attached to Kailashahar District Jail in Unakoti district during their suspension. The order further specifies that they cannot leave the headquarters without permission from the authorities.
The escape of six undertrial prisoners has triggered concerns about lapses in surveillance, security infrastructure, and the overall management of correctional facilities in Tripura. Officials confirmed that a detailed inquiry has been ordered to determine how the prisoners managed to escape from custody and whether negligence on the part of the jail staff contributed to the incident.
The Tripura government has emphasized that the suspensions are part of its broader efforts to enforce strict accountability within the prison system. Authorities noted that such disciplinary actions are necessary to maintain order, strengthen correctional administration, and prevent similar incidents in the future.
Law enforcement agencies have launched a manhunt to capture the remaining prisoners. Security has been tightened in North Tripura and adjoining districts, with checkpoints set up to monitor movement. The administration has also appealed to the public to remain vigilant and share any information that may assist in tracing the fugitives.
The Dharmanagar Sub-Jail incident has sparked fresh debate about the need to modernize correctional facilities in Tripura. Prison overcrowding, staff shortages, and inadequate surveillance systems have been highlighted as long-standing issues by rights groups and security experts. Officials say the latest jailbreak underscores the urgency of reforms to strengthen prison security and improve staff accountability.