Srinagar, Aug 25: Security checking has been intensified across Srinagar following the escape of two undertrial prisoners facing charges under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act from Central Jail Srinagar, officials said.

The escaped undertrials have been identified as Farman Khan, a resident of Sadanpora, Rajasthan, and Mukhtar Ahmad Gujjar, a resident of Sanglan Chittergul in Anantnag district.
According to officials, the duo escaped from the high-security prison on Sunday after allegedly scaling the front-side wall of the jail.
Farman Khan was lodged in Central Jail Srinagar in connection with FIR No. 19/2026 registered at Police Station Lar in Ganderbal district under Sections 137(2) and 87 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Sections 3 and 4 of the POCSO Act.
Mukhtar Ahmad Gujjar was lodged in the jail in connection with FIR No. 20/2026 registered at Police Station Soura, Srinagar, under Sections 137(2) and 65(1) of the BNS and Sections 3 and 4 of the POCSO Act.
Following the escape, Kashmir Zone Police issued lookout notices for both undertrials and launched a manhunt to trace and apprehend them. Checking has also been intensified at various locations and exit points.
Police have appealed to people to share any information that could help in tracing the two escapees with the nearest police station or by dialling 112. A reward has also been announced for information leading to their arrest.
The circumstances surrounding the escape from the high-security facility are being investigated.