Two POCSO inmates escape Srinagar Central Jail; manhunt launched
Two inmates booked under the POCSO Act escaped from Srinagar Central Jail on August 23, 2026, prompting a large-scale manhunt and lookout notices. Authorities say both were in custody for separate POCSO cases and are urging the public to help locate them.
Key takeaways
- Two POCSO defendants escaped Srinagar Central Jail on August 23, 2026.
- Inmates identified as Farman Khan and Mukhtar Ahmed Gujar, with separate POCSO-related FIRs.
- CISF provides armed security to Srinagar Central Jail; a massive manhunt and public lookout notices were launched.
What Happened
Officials reported that two inmates, both accused in separate cases under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, escaped from Srinagar Central Jail in Jammu and Kashmir on August 23, 2026. A massive manhunt was launched to trace and arrest them, and police issued lookout notices with their photographs to the public. The two escapees have been identified as Farman Khan, a resident of Sadanpora in Rajasthan, and Mukhtar Ahmed Gujar (also spelled Gujjar), a resident of Sanglan Chittergul in Anantnag district of south Kashmir.
According to officials, the jail is guarded by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), which provides armed protection to the facility. Reports indicate that both inmates were being detained in connection with POCSO-related FIRs, and the authorities have urged communities to report any information to police or by dialing 112.
Why It Matters
The escape from a high-security prison overseeing sensitive POCSO cases raises concerns about security at Srinagar Central Jail and the handling of individuals charged under crimes involving minors. A rapid manhunt and public alerts aim to prevent potential further harm and ensure those responsible for the escapes are apprehended promptly to maintain public safety and uphold the integrity of ongoing investigations.
Background
The two men were lodged in Srinagar Central Jail in connection with separate FIRs under sections of the BNS and POCSO Act’s provisions (including sections 3 and 4 related to penetrative sexual assault). One inmate, Farman Khan, was detained in relation to an FIR registered at Lar police station in Ganderbal district; the other, Mukhtar Ahmed Gujar, was held in connection with an FIR registered at Soura police station. The central jail has CISF guards, who were deployed there along with the Jammu central jail in October 2023 to provide armed cover and perimeter security, along with surveillance and access control measures.
Key Facts
- Location: Srinagar Central Jail, Jammu and Kashmir.
- Date of escape: August 23, 2026.
- Escaped inmates: Farman Khan (Sadanpora, Rajasthan) and Mukhtar Ahmed Gujar, also referred to as Gujjar (Sanglan Chittergul, Anantnag district).
- Charges: Both inmates were booked under the POCSO Act in separate FIRs; Khan under FIR 19/2026 (Lar police station) and Gujar under FIR 20/2026 (Soura police station).
- Security posture: Srinagar jail is guarded by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), with armed cover and perimeter security since 2023.
- Response: Massive manhunt launched; lookout notices issued with photographs; public urged to contact police or call 112 with information.
What Happens Next
Authorities say a comprehensive search is underway to locate and rearrest the two escapees. They have announced that information leading to their arrest may be rewarded, and the public has been asked to report any sightings or tips to the nearest police station or via emergency services.
Sources reviewed
Project Chintan independently synthesized and analyzed information cross-checked across the sources listed above.
