Ahmedabad: Sabarmati Central Jail has once again come under scrutiny after a life convict escaped from the high-security prison.

According to a complaint lodged by jailer Devdattsinh Gohil, a total of 33 prisoners were lodged in Bada Chakkar Yard No. 4 of the jail. During a routine headcount, authorities found only 32 inmates present, following which it was discovered that prisoner Malde Ramabhai Parmar was missing.

An extensive search operation was carried out inside the jail premises, but when no trace of the prisoner was found. When officials examined CCTV footage, the footage reportedly showed Parmar leaving the Bada Chakkar yard, evading jail staff and walking out through the main gate of the prison.

Parmar was convicted in serious offences, including murder and charges under the POCSO Act, registered in 2023 at Kamalbagh Police Station. In 2025, a court sentenced him to life imprisonment.

Initially lodged in Porbandar jail, Parmar was later shifted to Rajkot jail before being transferred to Sabarmati Central Jail after his health deteriorated. Since 2025, he had been housed in the Bada Chakkar section of the jail.

PI B.R. Rabari of Ranip Police Station said police are investigating the route taken by the escaped prisoner. CCTV footage from areas outside the jail is also being examined as part of the probe.