Guwahati: A serious lapse in prison security and procedure has surfaced in Mizoram, where 16 inmates from Lunglei district jail were allegedly released using fake court release papers over a four-month period, police said on Thursday.
The issue is said to have begun in January this year but came to light only last week when officials at the Lunglei District and Sessions Court were unable to find any official records supporting the release of some prisoners. This triggered suspicion, following which a police case was registered on April 25.
Lunglei Superintendent of Police Jerome Lalmuankima said that a coordinated search operation was launched immediately after the irregularity was discovered. He confirmed that 13 of the released inmates have been arrested again, while two are still on the run. One of those released has since died.
Investigators suspect that the case may involve a wider network with support from both inside and outside the jail. Officials said the quality and planning behind the forged documents indicate an organised operation rather than a random attempt.
Deputy Superintendent of Lunglei District Jail Lalruatsanga said the fake release papers included forged seals and formatting that closely matched official court documents.
He explained that the orders initially appeared genuine and were processed without delay, as jail authorities are bound to act on court directions without questioning them.
Preliminary investigation has identified a 22-year-old inmate, Jeremiah Lalthangtura, as the main suspect.
He is suspected to have planned the operation from within the prison, with possible assistance from outside, taking advantage of procedural loopholes.
Mizoram Police said Jeremiah is involved in eight other criminal cases linked to cheque fraud, cheating, and online financial scams. He is currently being interrogated and kept under close watch inside the prison.