RAWALPINDI (MNN); Fourteen under-trial prisoners escaped from a prison transport vehicle on Monday after allegedly overpowering security personnel while being shifted from Kahuta to Adiala Jail, prompting authorities to launch a large-scale search operation.
According to a statement issued by the Rawalpindi Police spokesperson, City Police Officer (CPO) Khalid Hamdani immediately took notice of the incident after receiving reports of the escape in the Sihala area and directed senior officers to reach the scene, conduct an inquiry and initiate a comprehensive operation to trace the fugitives.
Police later confirmed that four of the escaped prisoners had been re-arrested during the search operation, while efforts were continuing to apprehend the remaining escapees.
The police said all of the escaped individuals were under-trial prisoners facing criminal cases in various courts.
Officials added that the incident occurred within the limits of Sihala Police Station in Islamabad, and law enforcement agencies from both Islamabad and Rawalpindi were coordinating efforts to locate the remaining prisoners.
According to preliminary findings, a fight broke out among the prisoners inside the vehicle, during which they overpowered the security personnel and managed to flee.
Police vowed that all fugitives would be arrested and brought before the law.
Authorities have also ordered a departmental inquiry into the incident under the supervision of senior officers. Strict disciplinary action will be taken against officials found negligent or responsible for the security lapse.
The incident comes weeks after an under-trial prisoner escaped from Benazir Bhutto Hospital in Rawalpindi, leading to criminal cases against two police officials and two civilians.
Last year, Pakistan witnessed one of its largest prison breaks when more than 200 inmates escaped from Karachi’s Malir District Prison, prompting the Sindh government to remove several senior prison officials.
