In a shocking security lapse, two undertrial prisoners bolted from custody right inside Raipur’s district court premises on Thursday morning. The incident has once again spotlighted glaring vulnerabilities in Chhattisgarh’s judicial and prison systems.
The fugitives, identified as Rajesh Markandey and Tularam Markandey, face charges of attempted murder and other serious offenses. They were transported from Raipur Central Jail for a routine court hearing when chaos erupted.
According to police accounts, the duo was under the watch of a court clerk during proceedings. Seizing a split-second opportunity amid a momentary lapse by escorts, they slipped away from the holding area and vanished into the bustling court complex.
Eyewitnesses described pandemonium as court staff, lawyers, and security personnel scrambled in confusion. Alarms blared immediately, but the handcuffed prisoners had already outmaneuvered their guards, possibly by overpowering or distracting them.
Senior police officers rushed to the scene, launching a massive manhunt. Teams from multiple stations, including special units, fanned out across Raipur and surrounding areas. Checkpoints sprang up at key highways, bus stands, railway stations, and exit points.
Raids are underway at suspected hideouts and associates’ residences. Alerts have been flashed to neighboring districts and states, underscoring the scale of the operation.
This daring escape adds to a string of security breaches in Chhattisgarh’s courts and jails, prompting urgent calls for systemic reforms. As the search intensifies, questions swirl over how such lapses continue unchecked, eroding public trust in law enforcement.
The public remains on edge, with authorities urging citizens to report any sightings. The incident serves as a stark reminder that even within fortified judicial spaces, vigilance cannot be taken for granted.