The captured under trial prisoners who had escaped from jail in Mokokchung.
Chungtia youths credited for capture
Morung Express News
Mokokchung | October 31
All three under-trial prisoners who escaped from District Jail Mokokchung in the early hours of Thursday were rearrested on Friday evening. Police confirmed that the trio were apprehended with the assistance of local volunteers from Chungtia village. The escapees have been identified as Sukam Ali (20), Roshida Ali (26) and Habibullah Islam (21).
Speaking to The Morung Express, the SDPO Mokokchung informed that the escapees were captured at around 4:30 pm near the Milak River (Milak Metongmen) in Chungtia village. Throughout the day, police had intensified search operations after receiving multiple inputs regarding movement in the area. Search teams were deployed along likely escape routes, and assistance was sought from neighbouring villages to block potential exits, he said.
According to the SDPO, a key role in the operation was played by Chungtia village, particularly the “Zünga” — the village youth batch— taskforce responsible for community law and order. While several police teams were positioned around the suspected hideout, it was the six-member ‘Zünga’ team that ultimately located and apprehended the escapees.
“Since morning, we had information indicating movement near the area, so we mobilised our full team and also requested support from nearby villages,” the SDPO said. “The villagers came forward to help, especially Chungtia. The “Zünga” team had been spearheading the effort, and they succeeded in capturing the three.”
Earlier in the day, Mokokchung Police had announced a cash reward of Rs 50,000 for credible information leading to the arrest of the fugitives. The SDPO confirmed that the reward will be given to the six youths from Chungtia who carried out the capture. However, the formal handover will take place at a later date to ensure they receive due acknowledgement and appreciation.
The SDPO further stated that the escapees did not resist arrest due to their weakened condition. “Seeing their condition, they were already exhausted. They hadn’t slept, they were not properly clothed, and none of them were wearing footwear,” he said, adding that continuous movement through rough terrain had left them physically drained.
The trio have been taken back into custody at Mokokchung Police Station-II (PS-II). Police have registered a separate case for the jailbreak, and the under-trial prisoners will now face additional legal charges for escaping from lawful custody, besides their earlier charges under Sections 140(3) and 103 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
