Puzhal Central Prison, known for its stringent security protocols, was rattled when two inmates vanished during routine operations. The first disappearance was flagged at the evening roll call on Tuesday, and a thorough search that spanned the entire compound failed to locate the missing prisoners.
Sudeep Bogati, a 21‑year‑old Nepalese national from Padi, had been transferred to the foreign‑national block after being booked for a theft case on August 16. When the guard’s checklist revealed his absence, the authorities filed a formal complaint at Puzhal police station, initiating a manhunt that stretched into the following morning.
The second escape involved a 41‑year‑old convict, Suresh, who had been serving a sentence under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act since 2021. His good conduct record earned him daily duties outside the main jail, where he slipped away at 7 a.m. as guards were preoccupied with routine checks.
In response, Puzhal police have registered criminal cases for both incidents and deployed specialized units to scour the surrounding area. A departmental inquiry has been ordered to investigate the security failures that allowed the breaches to occur. The prison administration has pledged to tighten protocols before the next audit.
Guard Anju Rao, who witnessed the early‑morning slip, said, “The security sweep was a bit lax that day – a small oversight that turned into a big problem.” The families of both inmates are awaiting updates as the police intensify their search.