A major security breach occurred at Srinagar Central Jail as two inmates booked under the POCSO Act scaled the prison walls and escaped. Police have launched an intensive search operation.

  • Two inmates under the POCSO Act escaped Srinagar Central Jail on August 23.
  • The escapees scaled the front-side wall of the high-security facility.
  • Identified as Farman Khan (Rajasthan) and Mukhtar Ahmed Gujar (Anantnag).
  • A massive manhunt and reward for information have been initiated by police.

In a startling breach of security, two inmates booked under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act managed to escape from the Srinagar Central Jail on Sunday, August 23, 2026. The escapees reportedly scaled the front-side wall of the high-security prison to make their getaway, prompting an immediate large-scale manhunt by the authorities.

Profiles of the Escaped Inmates

The police have identified the fugitives as Farman Khan, a resident of Sadanpora, Rajasthan, and Mukhtar Ahmed Gujar, a resident of Sanglan Chittergul in the Anantnag district of South Kashmir. Khan was incarcerated following an FIR at the Lar police station in Ganderbal under various sections of the BNS and sections 3 and 4 of the POCSO Act. Gujar was lodged in the jail on April 13 in connection with a separate case registered at the Soura police station in Srinagar.

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Security Breach: The CISF Factor

The escape has raised serious questions regarding the efficacy of the security measures at the facility. The Srinagar Central Jail is guarded by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), which was deployed in October 2023 to provide armed cover and secure the perimeter using modern surveillance and access control. BozokMedia analysis shows that despite the presence of elite paramilitary forces and advanced monitoring systems, the physical breach of the prison wall indicates a significant lapse in vigilance.

The ability of high-risk inmates to scale a high-security wall suggests a critical failure in both human surveillance and perimeter monitoring.

Authorities are currently investigating whether the escape was facilitated by any internal negligence or systemic flaws. A wanted notice has been issued, and a substantial reward has been announced for any information leading to their capture.

Why This Matters

The escape of individuals accused of heinous crimes against children poses a direct threat to public safety. This incident necessitates a thorough review of jail protocols and the deployment strategies of the CISF in sensitive zones like Jammu and Kashmir.

Did You Know?: CISF was specifically brought into the Jammu and Kashmir prison system in late 2023 to bolster security against high-profile inmates and potential threats.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: What were the charges against the escapees?
Answer: Both men were held under the POCSO Act, specifically sections related to penetrative sexual assault.

Question 2: How can the public assist the police?
Answer: Citizens can contact their nearest police station or dial the emergency number 112 to provide any leads.