A 28-year-old man from Assam who escaped from Aluva Sub Jail in Kerala later walked into a police station seeking the return of his Aadhaar card, triggering a state-wide search, officials said on August 26.
Madhur Jya Sonowal, a native of Dhemaji district, escaped from the jail on August 24, days after his arrest in connection with a mobile phone theft case. He had been arrested by Edathala police with assistance from Perumbavoor police.
A preliminary inquiry found that Sonowal may have used an under-construction building inside the jail complex to climb out before scaling the compound wall.
Police said Sonowal later reached the Perumbavoor police station and asked for his Aadhaar card. Reception personnel reportedly did not initially recognise him, but he fled after spotting officials involved in his earlier arrest.
Police have intensified searches and issued a lookout circular, while his details have been circulated to police stations across Kerala. The Railway Protection Force has also been alerted, and authorities in Assam will be informed in case he attempts to return to Dhemaji.
The Prison Department has ordered a detailed investigation into the security lapses that led to his escape.
