Examiner Bureau | Srinagar:
Two undertrial prisoners facing separate cases under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act have allegedly escaped from Central Jail Srinagar, prompting police to issue lookout notices and launch an intensive search to trace and apprehend them.
A senior police officer confirmed the development, stating that the two accused were lodged at Central Jail Srinagar in connection with separate POCSO cases before they allegedly fled from the prison.
Following the incident, Kashmir Zone Police issued lookout notices for Farman Khan and Mukhtar Ahmad Gujjar and appealed to the public to share any information that could help establish their whereabouts.
According to the police notice, Mukhtar Ahmad Gujjar, son of Mohammad Rafiq Gujjar and a resident of Sanglan Chittergul in Anantnag district, is wanted in FIR No. 20/2026, registered at Police Station Soura.
The case has been registered under Sections 137(2) and 65(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Sections 3 and 4 of the POCSO Act, the notice stated.
The second accused, Farman Khan, son of Abdul Gani Khan and a resident of Sadanpora Ragistan, is wanted in FIR No. 19/2026, registered at Police Station Lar.
According to the police notice, Khan has been booked under Sections 137(2) and 87 of the BNS and Sections 3 and 4 of the POCSO Act.
Police have urged members of the public to immediately share any information regarding the whereabouts or movement of the two accused with the authorities.
“Information leading to their arrest will be suitably rewarded,” police said.
Anyone with information has been asked to contact the nearest police station or call the emergency helpline 112.
Police have intensified efforts to trace and apprehend the escaped accused, while an investigation is also underway to determine the circumstances surrounding their escape from the prison.
