Patna: One undertrial was supposed to walk out of Nalanda divisional jail on Sept 24, but the man who actually walked free was someone else. Jail authorities mistakenly released Chandradeep Chauhan alias Chandradeep Bind instead of Satish Chauhan alias Satish Bind, whose release had been authorised by a court. An inquiry has now found serious negligence in the episode, leading to the suspension of three jail officials, including deputy jail superintendent Arvind Kumar.The mix-up went undetected because both men belonged to Soyavapar village and shared the same father’s name. However, while Satish was eligible for release, Chandradeep had no court order authorising his release.Satish was lodged in jail as an undertrial in Asthawan police station cases No. 201/26 and 203/26, for which the release order had been issued. Chandradeep was an accused in Asthawan police station case No. 362/25 and was required to remain in custody.The error was corrected on Oct 2. Satish was released in accordance with the valid court order and prescribed procedures. Chandradeep, meanwhile, surrendered before the court and was sent back to Nalanda divisional jail at 3pm the same day on the court’s orders.Taking serious note of the lapse, Nalanda district magistrate (DM) Udita Singh ordered a joint inquiry by the Biharsharif sub-divisional officer (SDO) and sub-divisional police officer-I (SDPO-I) to establish how the wrong prisoner was released and identify those responsible.Nalanda SP Hriday Kant said the inquiry confirmed serious negligence and procedural errors.“The joint inquiry report confirmed serious negligence and errors by the personnel concerned. On the basis of its findings, the competent authority suspended deputy jail superintendent Arvind Kumar, assistant jail superintendent Amarendra Kumar and warder-cum-admission branch assistant Naveen Kumar with immediate effect,” he said.Departmental disciplinary proceedings have also been initiated against the three officials. Their roles in the mistaken release will be examined further.
