Puzhal Central Prison in Chennai reports two escapes within 24 hours

Two inmates escaped from the high-security Puzhal Central Prison in Chennai in two separate incidents within a 24-hour period.

The first escape involved 21-year-old Sudeep Bogati, a Nepalese national and undertrial prisoner. Authorities suspect Bogati may have scaled a 23-foot-high wall near a watchtower using a lungi and wires after requesting permission to visit the prison hospital for an ear ailment. His disappearance was noted during a routine evening roll call on Tuesday.

The second incident involved Suresh, a 41-year-old convict serving a sentence related to a 2019 Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) case. Suresh reportedly escaped from the prison-run bazaar, where he had been assigned duties due to good conduct, while guards were distracted.

Puzhal police have registered cases regarding both escapes and have formed special teams to locate the absconding individuals. Following these back-to-back security breaches, prison authorities have initiated a departmental inquiry to investigate potential lapses in security.