Intensive Manhunt Underway After Convicts Escape Kalaburagi Prison

New Delhi, India Jul 15, 2026 ALN: A major manhunt is currently underway following the escape of three convicts from the Kalaburagi Central Prison in Karnataka. The incident, which has raised serious concerns about prison security, saw one convict apprehended after a police encounter, while two others remain at large. This escape has not only sparked a significant law enforcement response but has also ignited discussions regarding the efficacy of prison security measures in India.

The convict who was captured, identified as Santhosh Basappa Metre (28) from Bidar district, sustained a gunshot injury to his right leg during the encounter with police near Humnabad Ring Road. This incident occurred in the early hours of Wednesday when police attempted to apprehend him after receiving a tip-off about his movements. The use of firearms in the capture of Santhosh raises questions about police protocols during such operations, particularly regarding the balance between public safety and the use of force.

Two police personnel, Kalyani and Prakash, were injured during the encounter and have been admitted to the hospital for treatment. Their injuries highlight the risks law enforcement officers face, especially in high-stakes situations involving potentially violent criminals. The daring escape has embarrassed the state government, particularly as Kalaburagi is the home district of state Home Minister Priyank Kharge, prompting calls for accountability and reevaluation of security measures in prisons across the state.

According to police reports, the three life convicts escaped from the Central Prison on Tuesday by cutting the grill of their barrack and scaling the prison's 20-foot-high compound wall. CCTV footage captured the convicts walking freely after their escape and later boarding a vehicle, indicating a premeditated plan that involved not only the physical escape but also a means of transportation post-escape. This level of planning raises alarms about the potential deficiencies in prison monitoring and the overall security framework in place.

Kalaburagi Police Commissioner S.D. Sharanappa stated that a case was registered at Farhatabad Police Station following a complaint from prison authorities. Multiple special teams have been formed to trace the escapees. The formation of these teams underscores the urgency of the situation, as the authorities are under pressure to recover the escapees swiftly to restore public confidence in the safety and security of the community.

“Three convicts escaped from Kalaburagi Central Prison yesterday. Two are convicted in rape and POCSO cases, while another is serving a sentence for murder. All three are natives of Bidar district,” Sharanappa informed reporters. The nature of the crimes committed by the escapees adds a layer of complexity to the manhunt, as the public may be particularly concerned about the potential threat posed by individuals convicted of serious offenses.

Special teams comprising personnel from Kalaburagi City Police, the North Eastern Range DIG's office, and the Superintendents of Police from Bidar, Kalaburagi, and Yadgir districts have been deployed for the manhunt. Such a collaborative effort among various law enforcement agencies is crucial in enhancing the effectiveness of the search operations, as it allows for the sharing of resources, intelligence, and manpower.

“The escaped prisoners avoided main roads and moved through agricultural fields. Based on our information, they initially moved in pairs before splitting up and travelling separately,” he added. This tactical decision by the escapees to avoid main roads demonstrates their understanding of law enforcement practices and their attempt to evade capture by utilizing less monitored areas.

After receiving a tip-off about Santhosh's location, police teams rushed to the area and attempted to negotiate his surrender. However, when police intercepted him, warning shots were fired into the air. Santhosh allegedly attempted to attack the police, prompting officers to fire in self-defense, resulting in his injury. This encounter raises questions about the protocols followed by law enforcement in negotiating with armed individuals, as well as the potential need for additional training in conflict resolution.

Santhosh Basappa Metre was serving a life sentence for a rape and POCSO case and had been incarcerated in Kalaburagi Central Prison since 2025. Police indicated that he had initially been moving with one of the other escapees but separated upon noticing heavy police presence on major roads. This behavior suggests a level of awareness and strategic thinking among the convicts, further complicating the manhunt as they adapt their movements based on law enforcement activities.

“We cannot say where the other two are headed. Alerts have been issued across districts, and search operations are continuing,” Sharanappa added. The issuance of alerts across districts indicates the seriousness with which the authorities are treating the situation, as well as their commitment to ensuring public safety in the wake of the escape.

Authorities are conducting intensive combing operations across Kalaburagi and neighboring districts to locate the remaining two convicts. The escape has prompted the police department to issue a statewide alert, while prison authorities are investigating the possibility of insider assistance in the jailbreak. The potential involvement of prison personnel raises significant concerns about corruption and complicity within the prison system, which could undermine the integrity of law enforcement efforts.

Besides Santhosh, the other two escapees have been identified as Mastaan and Sagar. Police reported that the trio used blankets, clothes, and pillow covers tied together to create a makeshift rope, enabling them to climb over the prison wall. This indicates a level of ingenuity and resourcefulness that could pose challenges for authorities in anticipating the escapees' next moves.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the inmates had been planning the escape for the past two to three days. Investigators are also probing the potential involvement of prison personnel, as questions arise regarding how the prisoners, who were supposed to be confined to their cells at night, were outside during the escape. The investigation into the planning and execution of the escape will be critical in understanding the systemic failures that allowed it to occur.

The incident has brought the prison's security system under scrutiny. Despite round-the-clock surveillance, CCTV monitoring, and security personnel, including CISF personnel, the three inmates managed to escape without interception. This failure raises serious questions about the effectiveness of existing security measures and the need for a comprehensive review of prison protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Officials are treating this incident as a significant security lapse, and disciplinary action is being considered against prison officers found negligent in their duties. The implications of this incident extend beyond the immediate manhunt, as it may lead to broader reforms in prison management and security practices across the state. Investigators are also exploring whether the inmates received external assistance after their escape from the prison, which could further complicate the investigation.

As the search continues, the situation remains tense, with authorities determined to apprehend the remaining escapees and address the security concerns raised by this incident. The outcomes of this manhunt and subsequent investigations will likely have lasting impacts on public perception of the criminal justice system and the efficacy of prison management in Karnataka.