Jagatsinghpur, Jan 6: A life-term convict lodged in Alipingal Jail has gone missing after being released on parole and failing to return for over a year and three months. The matter came to light after the Jail Superintendent filed a complaint, following which Kujang Police registered a case and launched an investigation.

The convict, Chhabindra Mallick (37), son of Gangadhar Mallick of Mangarajpur village under Kujang Police Station, was arrested in connection with a murder case reported in 2013. He was sentenced to life imprisonment by the District and Sessions Judge’s Court on August 21, 2015, and had since been serving his sentence at Alipingal Jail.

According to officials, Mallick was granted a 21-day special parole on September 27, 2024. He was required to surrender after the completion of the parole period but failed to report back. Despite the lapse of more than 15 months, he has not returned to the jail.

Jail Superintendent Madan Mohan Marandi initially lodged a complaint at Jagatsinghpur Police Station, which was subsequently transferred to Kujang Police Station for jurisdictional reasons. Acting on the complaint, Kujang Police have registered a case and initiated a search operation.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the absconding convict had a relationship with a married woman from another district and may currently be staying outside the state.

The incident has triggered widespread discussion in the local area, with questions being raised over the delay in reporting the matter. Concerns have also been expressed regarding possible lapses and inefficiency within the jail administration for not initiating timely action after the parole period expired.