Tripura jailbreak sparks massive manhunt after six inmates escaped Dharmanagar Sub-Jail, assaulting a guard. One fugitive has been recaptured, while five remain at large. Authorities tighten security, suspend officials, and seal borders to prevent cross-border escape into Bangladesh or neighboring states.
A dramatic jailbreak in Tripura’s Dharmanagar Sub-Jail has left the state on high alert after six inmates escaped in the early hours of Wednesday. Authorities confirmed that while one fugitive has been recaptured, an intensive manhunt is ongoing to track down the remaining five.
According to officials, the daring escape occurred at Kalikapur in North Tripura district when the inmates attacked a jail guard with sharp weapons. Exploiting the chaos, the prisoners fled the facility during the morning routine of being escorted for breakfast and daily ablutions.
Guard Injured, One Inmate Nabbed
The injured jail staff, identified as Bedu Miah, sustained serious injuries but is currently under treatment at Dharmanagar District Hospital and reported to be stable.
By Wednesday evening, authorities succeeded in apprehending one of the escapees, Abdul Patta, from South Chandrapur under Dharmanagar police station. Patta, a resident of Nilambazar in Assam’s Sribhumi district, has a criminal record under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act for his involvement in drug-related activities.
The Fugitives Still on the Run
The prisoners still at large include:
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Rahim Ali
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Narayan Chandra Dutta (a Bangladeshi national arrested under the Passport and other Acts)
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Rosan Ali
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Nazim Uddin
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Sunil Debbarma, a convict serving life imprisonment for murder and other serious crimes.
Officials fear that the fugitives may attempt to cross into neighboring states or even into Bangladesh, given Tripura’s geographical location.
Massive Search Operations Launched
Soon after the jailbreak, multiple security teams were deployed across North Tripura and adjoining Unakoti district. Superintendent of Police Avinash Kumar Rai personally led one of the search operations.
Authorities also requested the Border Security Force (BSF) to intensify surveillance along the India-Bangladesh border, while sealing all potential exit points into Assam, Mizoram, and Bangladesh.
A police officer stated, “We are leaving no stone unturned to ensure that these fugitives do not escape the state. All inter-state and international borders have been sealed.”
Accountability and Suspension of Jail Officials
In a swift administrative response, the Tripura government suspended two jail officials on Thursday in connection with the incident. Inspector General of Prisons ordered the suspension of Jailor Dhananjoy Bhattacharya and Warder Pallab Kanti Bhowmik for negligence in duty. Disciplinary proceedings have also been initiated against them.
Officials emphasized that lapses in prison security would not be tolerated, and accountability measures would follow.
A Broader Security Concern
The escape has once again raised concerns over prison security in India’s Northeast, particularly in states like Tripura that share porous international borders. The involvement of inmates with cross-border links, such as Bangladeshi national Narayan Chandra Dutta, has further heightened security worries.
The ongoing search operation remains one of the most extensive in recent times, involving police, paramilitary forces, and border guards.
Public Alert
Local residents in North Tripura have been urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movement to the nearest police station. Authorities stressed that the fugitives are dangerous and could pose a threat to public safety.
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As of Thursday evening, police confirmed that the search was still underway for the five fugitives, and updates would be provided as the operation continues.
