Guards Watch Reels, Convict Flees Bareilly Jail

A major security lapse occurred at Bareilly's high-security Central Jail when a convict, Dinesh, serving a life sentence for child rape, escaped on Monday afternoon. The 22-year-old inmate, from Amroha, was on duty at an agricultural farm adjacent to the jail premises with 45 other inmates when he scaled the boundary wall. Around twelve-thirty PM, Dinesh seized an opportunity to flee.

Eleven prison officials and staff have been suspended or recommended for strict departmental action following the escape. Jailer Neeraj Kumar and deputy jailer Vandana Choudhary were suspended. Senior jail superintendent Avinash Gautam faces recommended departmental action, along with seven lower staffers. The reason cited for the lapse was guards being distracted by social media reels on their mobile phones instead of supervising the inmates.

This incident marks the second escape from Bareilly Central Jail in under a year, raising serious concerns about security protocols. In October 2024, a murder convict had escaped, leading to similar actions against staff. Bareilly Central Jail is considered one of Uttar Pradesh's most sensitive prisons, housing high-profile inmates. Despite extensive security measures, including CCTV cameras and an on-site police post, the repeat escape highlights issues with staff supervision.