The situation at the Patnagarh Sub-Jail in the district turned chaotic on Thursday after seven dacoits tried to escape from the prison. But security personnel managed to foil the jailbreak bid.
Patnagarh Jail Superintendent Pradipta Mahalingam said the sole accused of the sensational Patnagarh wedding gift blast case, Punjilal Meher, who is also lodged at the jail, instigated the seven prisoners to flee and also to create a situation facilitating his escape too.
The situation further went out of control when the seven dacoits, along with Punjilal and 56 other prisoners staged a demonstration in the jail. Also Punjilal allegedly snatched the mobile phone of the Superintendent after he reached to take stock of the situation.
Sources said he even pushed the Jailor and Superintendent inside the jail cell and locked them up.
Earlier in the day, seven dacoits rushed to the main gate of the jail in the morning and a scuffle ensued between them and the jail staff after they were intercepted. Even the jail sirens were sounded to alert others and control the situation.
The jail Superintendent said Punjilal was conspiring since long demanding the jail authorities to shift him to another prison. He is the one who is instigating the prisoners.
“Seven dacoits lodged at the jail tried to escape today morning and they had rushed to the main gate of the jail. But they were opposed by the officials and subsequently the jail alarm was also blown to control them,” said Mahalingam.
“Punjilal is cajoling them to even skip food until the Magistrate comes. He is also coaxing them to demand transfer of some of the jail officials,” he added.
Later, security arrangements were tightened in and outside the Patnagarh sub-jail while Punjilal has been moved to a separate cell, informed officials.