One Escapee Captured After Morigaon Jail Break; Search Continues for Remaining Fugitives

Authorities in Assam have successfully recaptured one of the five prisoners who escaped from Morigaon District Jail on October 11. The apprehended inmate, Saifuddin, was arrested on Saturday from the Nagaon Stand area under the Morigaon Sadar Police Station.

Saifuddin, a resident of Mahmari Pothar in Lahorighat, had been serving a two-year sentence for offenses under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. Sources indicate that he had initially fled to Dimapur, Nagaland, but returned to Morigaon prior to his capture.

Police officials are conducting an interrogation of Saifuddin to uncover details surrounding the jailbreak and any potential involvement of others. Meanwhile, three other escapees—Ziarul Islam from Tezpur’s Misamari, Mafidul Islam from Moirabari, and Nur Islam from Laharighat—remain at large.

In a tragic turn of events, one of the escapees, Abdul Rashid, was found dead in a pond in Lahorighat on October 14. Authorities are investigating whether his death was accidental or the result of foul play.

The jailbreak has led to significant administrative repercussions. Tapan Bhuyan and Anup Malakar, the wardens at Morigaon District Jail, have been suspended for their alleged negligence that facilitated the escape. Additionally, Jail Superintendent Manas Das has been reassigned to Hamren Jail, while Assistant Jailer Nabadeep Lekharu was transferred to Nagaon Special Jail. In response to the jailbreak, the District Commissioner of Morigaon has also initiated a magisterial inquiry into the incident.

Authorities continue to search for the remaining fugitives as the investigation into the circumstances of their escape unfolds.