Two undertrials facing serious charges under the POCSO Act have escaped from the Central Jail in Srinagar, prompting a massive police manhunt across Kashmir.

  • Two undertrials accused of POCSO offenses escaped Srinagar Central Jail.
  • The fugitives include Farman Khan from Rajasthan and Mukhtar Ahmad Gujjar from Anantnag.
  • Police have issued look-out notices at all exit points of the Kashmir region.

In a major security breach, two undertrials facing charges under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act have allegedly escaped from the Central Jail in Srinagar. The escape has sent shockwaves through the local administration and prompted an immediate, large-scale manhunt by the Jammu and Kashmir police.

According to official reports, the escaped individuals have been identified as Farman Khan, a resident of Rajasthan, and Mukhtar Ahmad Gujjar, hailing from the Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir. Khan was facing charges of penetrative sexual assault under sections 3 and 4 of the POCSO Act in a case registered at the Lar police station in Ganderbal. Gujjar was similarly facing serious charges registered at the Soura police station in Srinagar.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that such an escape from a high-security facility highlights significant lapses in prison management and surveillance. Given the heinous nature of the crimes involved—sexual offenses against minors—the escape poses a direct and immediate threat to public safety and the integrity of the judicial process.

A prison break involving high-risk offenders indicates a critical failure in correctional security protocols that requires immediate systemic overhaul.

The Kashmir Zone Police have responded to the incident by launching an intensive search operation. Look-out notices have been disseminated to all exit points and checkpoints across the Kashmir valley to prevent the duo from fleeing the region. Security forces are currently conducting raids in suspected hideouts and coordinating with local intelligence units.

The incident has raised urgent questions regarding the internal security of the Srinagar Central Jail. Authorities are expected to launch an internal investigation to determine whether the escape was facilitated by external assistance or through collusion with prison staff. The focus remains on apprehending the suspects before they can evade further law enforcement action.

Did You Know?: The POCSO Act was enacted in 2012 to provide a robust legal framework for the protection of children from sexual assault and harassment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Who are the two individuals who escaped from the jail?
A1: The fugitives are Farman Khan from Rajasthan and Mukhtar Ahmad Gujjar from Anantnag.

Q2: What measures has the police taken?
A2: Police have initiated a massive manhunt and issued look-out notices at all exit points of Kashmir.