Kanpur Jailbreak: Murder Accused from Assam Escapes, Massive Manhunt On
A major search operation has been launched in Kanpur after a murder accused escaped from the district jail on Friday night.
The accused, 25-year-old Asaruddin, a native of Assam and resident of Tiwari Pur in Jajmau, had been lodged in Barrack No. 14 since January last year. He was arrested on January 14 for allegedly murdering his 25-year-old friend Ismail on January 8. Police believe the murder was premeditated, driven by suspicion that Ismail was having an affair with Asaruddin’s wife.
According to a Hindustan Times report, the escape came to light during a routine headcount around 10:30 pm, when jail staff found one prisoner missing. Jail Superintendent B.D. Pandey immediately ordered a recount of all barracks, but even by 2:30 am the accused was still untraceable. The police were informed without delay.
A joint search by police and prison staff is underway at key locations, including Kanpur railway station, bus stands, and nearby areas. CCTV footage from inside and around the jail has been thoroughly checked, but so far there is no visual confirmation of the accused leaving the premises. Officials suspect he may still be hiding somewhere within the jail compound. Searches have been conducted in secluded spots such as trees, toilet ducts, and other concealed areas.
Senior police officials, including DCP (East) Satyajit Gupta and ADCP Anjali Vishwakarma, visited the jail to review the situation. Footage from over 150 CCTV cameras installed under Operation Trinetra was examined, but yielded no leads. High-powered lights were deployed to comb sensitive parts of the prison.
Authorities have confirmed that all other inmates are accounted for and no unauthorised individuals are inside the jail. Interrogation of fellow prisoners is ongoing as the hunt for the fugitive continues.
