Mangaluru: Seven inmates escaped from the Pachanady Destitute Rehabilitation Centre in the early hours of December 18, prompting the police to launch an intensive search operation and issue an alert seeking public assistance. The incident has raised serious concerns about security arrangements at shelter homes meant for vulnerable individuals.

According to police sources, the escape occurred at around 1.30 am when the inmates allegedly broke the iron bars of a window in Room No. 3 of the shelter home and fled from the premises under the cover of darkness. The incident came to light during a routine check by the shelter staff, following which the police were informed.

Case registered, investigation underway

A case has been registered at the Mangaluru Rural Police Station, and multiple teams have been formed to trace the escapees. Police officials said efforts are underway to identify the route taken by the inmates and to determine whether there was any external assistance or lapse in security that facilitated the escape.

Senior police officers have visited the rehabilitation centre and are examining the condition of the building, particularly the damaged window through which the inmates are believed to have escaped. Statements of shelter staff and other inmates are also being recorded as part of the investigation.

Police sources indicated that the escapees are destitute persons housed at the centre for care and rehabilitation, and not criminal convicts. However, officials have stressed that locating them at the earliest is important for their safety as well as public reassurance.

Details of the escape

Initial investigations suggest that the inmates may have planned the escape by targeting a window with weakened iron bars demonstrated by repeated wear and lack of reinforcement. After breaking the bars, the seven men reportedly exited the room silently to avoid alerting staff or other inmates.

The police are analysing CCTV footage from nearby roads and public places to trace their movement after they left the shelter premises. Checkpoints have also been alerted in surrounding areas to keep a lookout for the escapees.

Officials said the timing of the escape — in the early hours of the morning — suggests that the inmates may have taken advantage of minimal supervision and reduced staff presence during the night.

Descriptions of the escapees released

To assist in tracing the missing inmates, the police have released detailed physical descriptions of all seven individuals and appealed to the public to remain vigilant.

The escapees have been identified as:

  • Devaraju (37): About 5.2 feet tall, round face, dark complexion, no beard or moustache, wearing a grey sweater, speaks Kannada.
  • Durga Bai (56): About 5 feet tall, round face, dark complexion, wearing a grey sweater, speaks Hindi.
  • Mahantesh (37): About 5.4 feet tall, long face, dark complexion, wearing a grey sweater, speaks Kannada.
  • Binu T.J. (42): About 5.6 feet tall, round face, dark complexion, wearing a brown sweater, speaks Malayalam.
  • Sharanappa Halappa Hosamani (37): About 5.6 feet tall, long face, dark complexion, wearing a brown sweater, speaks Kannada.
  • Hiremallanagiri Gururaj (38): About 5.5 feet tall, round face, dark complexion, wearing a brown sweater, speaks Kannada.
  • Prabhu (37): About 5.7 feet tall, oval face, dark complexion, wearing a brown sweater, speaks Kannada.

Police officials said the clothing details are based on what the inmates were wearing at the time of the escape and may help citizens identify them more easily.

Appeal to the public

The police have appealed to the public to immediately inform the Mangaluru Rural Police Station if anyone spots individuals matching the given descriptions. Citizens have been advised not to attempt to detain the escapees themselves but to promptly pass on the information to the police.

Authorities have emphasised that public cooperation is crucial in tracing the inmates quickly, especially since they may be disoriented, vulnerable or in need of medical or psychological support.

Concerns over shelter home security

The incident has once again brought attention to the issue of safety and infrastructure at rehabilitation and shelter homes. Officials acknowledged that many such facilities operate with limited staff and ageing infrastructure, making them vulnerable to security breaches.

Police said they will recommend a detailed security audit of the Pachanady Destitute Rehabilitation Centre and similar institutions in the district. Measures such as strengthening windows, increasing night-time supervision and installing additional CCTV cameras are likely to be suggested to prevent recurrence of such incidents.

Conclusion

The escape of seven inmates from the Pachanady Destitute Rehabilitation Centre has triggered a swift response from the police, with search operations underway and alerts issued to the public. While the authorities work to trace the missing inmates, the incident has highlighted the urgent need to strengthen security and oversight at rehabilitation facilities to ensure the safety of inmates and prevent similar incidents in the future.