3 inmates, including 2 Pakistani juveniles, escape custody in Jammu and Kashmir – Firstpost

Three inmates, including two Pakistani nationals, escaped from a Juvenile Observation Home in Jammu and Kashmir on Monday evening after allegedly assaulting police personnel on duty, triggering a security alert in the border area of RS Pura.

Escape triggers security alert

According to intelligence sources, information was received at around 5.05 pm that the three inmates had fled from custody. Security agencies launched a search operation to trace the juveniles. RS Pura, located close to the International Border, has long been considered a sensitive zone due to infiltration concerns.

Sources cited in a report say the incident is being treated as more than a routine escape, citing the nationality mix and the sensitive border location. The presence of two Pakistani juveniles in a border district has raised concerns, they added.

Probe into planning and possible links

Investigators are examining whether the escape involved prior planning or any attempt at cross-border movement. Authorities are also probing whether the juveniles had any external communication while in custody or links with handlers, over-ground workers or sympathisers. The role of a local individual is being examined for possible logistical support or facilitation.

Police personnel injured in attack

Reports said the inmates attacked guards deployed at the facility before escaping. Two police personnel — SPO Vinay Kumar and Head Constable Parveen Kumar — sustained injuries and were shifted to a nearby hospital for treatment.

The escaped inmates have been identified as Ahsan Anwar and Mohammad Sanaullah, both residents of Pakistan’s Punjab province, and Karanjit Singh alias Gugga from Jammu.

Investigation underway

Intelligence sources said the two Pakistani juveniles had inadvertently crossed into India and were not linked to militancy. Police have taken cognisance of the incident and further investigation is underway.