During the past five years, a total of 44 prisoners, including 33 Under-Trial Prisoners (UTPs) and 11 convicts, have escaped from various jails in Odisha. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi disclosed this information while responding to a query in the state Assembly. The escapes have highlighted issues with prison security and monitoring systems.
In 2022 and 2024, 12 prisoners each managed to flee, while nine inmates escaped in 2021, five in 2023, and six in 2025. Of the 44 escapees, 27 have been recaptured by the Odisha Police, leaving 17 still at large. The Chief Minister mentioned that several jail officials faced suspensions, and departmental actions were taken due to security lapses.
The Odisha Prisons Directorate faced criticism after three UTPs, including two criminals from Bihar involved in a robbery-murder case, escaped in October 2025. One of the criminals has been captured in Uttar Pradesh with the help of Bihar Special Task Force and Mathura police. However, the accomplice is still on the run.
