Insiders, aides help 4 escape Danapur prison

Four inmates of the Danapur Jail, all murder and dacoity accused, escaped this morning. Six officials have been suspended for ‘‘lapse in security’’ as a few ‘‘visitors’’ set off crude bombs and let the criminals out. Patna DM Dipak Prasad visited the jail soon after.

The jail is about 15 kilometres from Patna. Jail Minister Ashok Chaudhary said it is a case of ‘‘lapse of security and possible connivance of some officials’’. The jail superintendent and assistant superintendent have been served showcause notices.

Patna SP Ganesh Kumar said the police have identified a few hideouts and raids were on. The criminals have been identified as Guddu Chaudhary, Dhiraj Paswan, Mantoo Dom and Santosh Dom.

Kumar said a few aides of the accused came to the jail around 10 am. They opened fire and threw country bombs. In the chaos, they snatched keys from the guards and let the accused out. The four fled in vehicles waiting at the gate.