In a significant lapse in security, two theft suspects—Krishna Sahoo and Surjyakanta Mohanty—escaped from the Gop police station in Odisha’s Puri district late Tuesday night by climbing out through a broken skylight in the washroom. The station is located about 52 km from the state capital, Bhubaneswar.
The duo had been detained for questioning in connection with a recent general store theft in the area. A separate motorcycle theft complaint filed by a journalist also led to suspicions of their involvement. Despite being under investigation, they were not placed in a lock-up but were seated on a bench inside the station.
Sources indicate that the suspects had surveyed the station layout and identified the dilapidated skylight as a potential exit. At around 10 pm, when the police shift changed and public movement decreased, one suspect requested to use the washroom. Taking advantage of the low vigilance, he escaped through the faulty skylight. Shortly after, the second suspect followed suit using the same route.
At the time, an assistant sub-inspector was on diary charge and two constables were on other duties, including monitoring the detainees. The initial probe highlights negligence on part of the duty staff.
The incident prompted the visit of an Additional SP to assess the situation. A fresh FIR has been lodged against the escaped duo, and internal accountability measures are expected. The Inspector-in-Charge (IIC) of the station was reportedly on leave during the escape.