The escape of criminals involved in serious offenses has increased fear among the public. The failure to enforce court-imposed sentences and the ease with which offenders flee has heightened public anxiety. During the nationwide movement led by Gen-Z on September 9, 2025, individuals accused of juvenile offenses escaped from jails and Child Reform Home. In the clashes that occurred during this period, at least nine people died, and many were injured.
Taking advantage of weak police presence in the movement and jail security, groups of prisoners escaped from multiple facilities. On September 9th, citing security reasons, Ravi Lamichhane, who was held at Nakkhu jail in a cooperative fraud case, was released, after which 1,256 prisoners at that jail escaped. Immediately following this incident, prisoners in jails across the country became agitated. The police were deployed to external responsibilities due to the movement, and in some jail, protesters themselves vandalized facilities, weakening internal security.
The dilapidated condition of jail infrastructure, insufficient resources to manage emergencies, long-standing prisoner dissatisfaction, and overcrowding likely contributed to the mass escape attempts.
Currently, out of 77 districts, 75 jail offices exist in 72 districts, except in five districts: Dhanusha, Bara, Bhaktapur, Eastern Nawalparasi, and Eastern Rukum. Although state policy treats jail as correctional centers rather than mere detention facilities, in most jails across the country, the number of inmates exceeds twice the official capacity. This has led to prisoners being deprived of basic rights.
Custody and jail life in Nepal do not meet humanitarian standards or minimum requirements. There are significant deficiencies in infrastructure and budget for essentials such as drinking water and healthcare. Given the current inflation, the daily allowance provided to inmates for sustenance and the amount available for dependent children are extremely low. The state has not yet addressed issues related to overcrowding, weak physical infrastructure, and poor jail conditions, leaving jails operating beyond capacity and prisoners deprived of basic rights.
Current Situation of Jail and Child Reform from Which Prisoners Escaped
Provincial Analysis
Koshi Province
From the Jhumka Jail, located in Ramdhuni Municipality-5 of Sunsari, 1,552 inmates escaped, while 86 inmates fled from Solukhumbu District Jail, making a total of 1,658 prisoners on the run.
During the Gen Z movement on September 9, after issuing threats to set the jail on fire, inmates escaped from the Jhumka jail. Of them, 13 were taken into custody by police on 25 Bhadra. Similarly, by setting fire and breaking the gates of Solukhumbu District Jail, 34 inmates managed to escape, but were later arrested by the police.
Although there are jails across 14 districts in Koshi Province, the escapes occurred from the Jhumka and Solukhumbu District Jails. The Jhumka Jail in Sunsari, which houses only men, has a capacity of 1,600 inmates, while Solukhumbu District Jail has a capacity of 25 (5 women and 20 men).
In addition, on the morning of 25 Bhadra, 204 juveniles, both convicted and accused in juvenile delinquency cases escaped from the Juvenile Reform Center in Biratnagar Metropolitan City–3 after threatening security personnel and forcing them to open the gate. The center, which has a capacity of only 50, was holding 255 juveniles at the time.
According to Center Chief Milan Chauhan, of the escapees, 161 have been re-arrested, while 43 are still being searched for.
Madhesh Province
In Madhesh Province, prisoners have escaped from the district jails of Saptari, Mahottari, Rautahat, and Parsa. Out of a total of 1,049 prisoners who fled from these jails, security personnel have recaptured 70. From Jaleshwar Jail, where 577 prisoners were held, 576 managed to escape. According to Deputy Superintendent of Police Heramba Sharma of the District Police Office, protesters outside the jail and inmates inside demolished the jail wall at around 7 p.m. on 9 September, after which all the prisoners escaped. At present, some inmates of the jail have begun to return voluntarily.
On the morning of 10 September, 205 inmates from Block ‘B’ of Rajbiraj Jail escaped. After a fire broke out in the jail, all security guards went outside to control the blaze, providing the inmates an opportunity to flee. Out of those who escaped, 31 have been recaptured from various locations, according to Jail Chief Gangalal Yogi.
Four inmates at Birgunj Jail in Parsa were injured when police intervened during an escape attempt. As prisoners tried to break through the wall, security responded with warning shots and batons, causing injuries, according to Chief District Officer Toyanaran Subedi.
On the night of 9 September, 264 out of 291 inmates escaped from Gaur Jail. Security forces recapture 52 fugitives from various locations.
At Sarlahi Jail, inmates tried to start a fire and escape, but police stopped them. Security forces fired into the air and used tear gas to regain control.
In Madhesh Province, inmates escape from the district jails of Saptari, Mahottari, Rautahat, and Parsa. Out of 1,049 escaped inmates, security forces have rearrested 70. From Jaleshwar Jail, 576 out of 577 inmates escaped. Around 7 p.m. on 9 September, protesters outside and inmates inside broke down the jail wall, leading to a mass escape. All prisoners fled, according to DSP Heramb Sharma. Some inmates are now returning on their own.
On the morning of 9 September, 205 inmates escape from Block ‘B’ of Rajbiraj Jail. After a fire breaks out inside, all security guards rush outside to control it, giving prisoners the opportunity to flee. Jail Chief Gangalal Yogi reports that 31 escapees have been re-arrested from various locations.
Four inmates were injured during a failed escape from Birgunj Jai in Parsa. When prisoners tried to break through the wall, security responded with warning shots and batons, according to Chief District Officer Toyanaran Subed.s.
On the night of 9 September, 264 out of 291 inmates escaped from Gaur Jail. Security forces recapture 52 escapees from various locations.
At Sarlahi Jail, inmates tried to set a fire and escape, but police and security forces brought the situation under control. They fired into the air and used tear gas to restore order.
Bagmati Province
Over 7,000 inmates escaped from jails in Bagmati Province. On 10 September, prisoners at Dillibajar Jail, Kathmandu, vandalized the facility and set fires, prompting intervention by the Nepal Army. Considering potential risks, 450 inmates are transferred to Central Jail, Sundhara.
From Central Jail, Sundhara, which originally held around 3,800 inmates, 3,003 escaped. Currently, 500 inmates remain in jail.
From the only jail in Lalitpur, 1,280 inmates have escaped. Chief District Officer Suman Ghimire reports that out of the 1,280 fugitives, 24 are under monitoring, while 1,256 inmates remain at large. At about 2:45 p.m. on 10 September, inmates at Dhadhing Jail tried to escape by breaking the main gate. Security forces intervened, resulting in two inmates being shot dead and seven others injured.
Over 700 inmates escaped from Bharatpur Jail. On 10 September, prisoners vandalize the jail and set fires as they flee.
On 10 September at Kavre District Jail in Dhulikhel, inmates set fires and damaged property while demanding release. Jail officials say 283 inmates remain inside and are safe. The Nepal Army is handling the fire and now manages jail security.
A total of 471 inmates, including 428 men and 43 women, escaped from Sindhuli Jail. According to Sindhuli District Police Chief SP Lal Dhwaj Subedi, the inmates fled on the afternoon of 10 September following arson and protests inside the jail. By the morning of 11 September, 171 of the escapees have been arrested, Sindhuli District Police spokesperson DSP Surya Prakash Subedi reports.
Seventy-two Juveniles escaped from the Child Reform Home in Hetauda Sub-Metropolitan City–11 after breaking the facility. Police have recaptured 13 of them, and one child has returned voluntarily.
In Makwanpur Jail, Bhimfedi, 440 out of 1,066 inmates escaped, and 116 have been arrested. From Dhunche Jail in Rasuwa, 98 inmates fled at once on 10 September. By 11 September, 61 escapees are recaptured from Kalika Rural Municipality–1, Grang, and Kalikasthan, Rasuwa Police Chief Hem Bahadur Shahi reports.
On the morning of 11 September, two inmates were killed in Ramechhap Jail when security personnel opened fire. The prisoners attempted to escape by breaking locks installed across various sections of the jail, Ramechhap Chief District Officer Shyam Krishna Thapa reports. The deceased are 35-year-old Rajkishor Yadav from Morang and 58-year-old Biguru Dhobi from Bharatpur, Dhanusha.
One inmate was critically injured and 10 others had minor injuries; all are being treated at Ramechhap Hospital. CDO Thapa said force was needed because inmates ignored warnings and tried to break out violently. The jail is now under control, with 16 women and 318 men, totaling 334 inmates.
Gandaki Province
In Gandaki Province, nearly all inmates escaped from Kaski Jail, which held 773 prisoners, leaving only 27 behind. At the Child Reform Home in Pokhara Metropolitan City–18, staff member Dansiram Regmi said that around 10 p.m. on 9 September, an unknown group threatened staff with household weapons and abducted 109 children.
At Myagdi District Jail, 76 out of 88 inmates escaped. According to Magdi Jail Chief Pratijna Subedi, only 12 prisoners, including six women, remain inside. Police have recaptured four escapees.
At Parbat District Jail, 19 out of 93 inmates escaped, while 74 remain in the facility. On the afternoon of 10 September, 14 out of 177 inmates at Baglung District Jail tried to escape but were stopped by security forces. Assistant Chief District Officer Pushpraj Paudel said the escapees will be transferred to other jails, including Syangja. That evening at Syangja District Jail, four or five inmates caused a disturbance, but security quickly regained control.
All 326 inmates escaped from Damauli District Jail. Acting Jail Chief Pushpraj Raut reports that none of the escapees have been traced so far.
Lumbini Province
From Tulsipur Jail, 124 inmates escaped. Out of the 124 fugitives on 10 September, police have recaptured 53. The jail originally held 469 inmates.
On the morning of 10 September, 435 inmates escaped from Kapilvastu Jail. The escapees vandalized and set fire to the nearby Kapilvastu District Court. DSP Ritendra Kumar Singh of Kapilvastu District Police reports that 85 fugitives have been arrested.
From Naubasta Child Correction Home, which houses 176 children, 80 escape. During the scuffle, five people died and two were injured; the injured are receiving treatment at Bheri Hospital, Nepalgunj. Among the escapees, three have made contact through their guardians.
On the morning of 10 September, 115 children escaped from Jayendu Child Reform Home in Duduwa, Banke, after breaking the gate locks. The facility houses 228 children in total. Jayendu Correction Home Chief Kishor Sharma reports that 15 of the escapees have already returned.
On the afternoon of 11 September at around 3 p.m., inmates at Banke Jail attempt to escape by vandalizing the office and setting fires. Security personnel respond with aerial firing and gunshots to control the situation, injuring one inmate. The injured, 44-year-old Umesh Bam from Ghodghodi Municipality–2, Kailali, is shot in the right calf and is receiving treatment at Bheri Hospital.
According to Jail Chief Prakash Dhungana, 10-15 male inmates from a block protested, claiming they should also be allowed to escape like inmates from other jails. During the attempt, they set fire using cooking fuel and a rope. Banke Jail, which has a capacity of 350, currently holds 770 inmates (669 men and one woman). Chief District Officer Dharma Raj Joshi confirms that the jail remains under security personnel control.
From Nawalparasi West District Jail, which holds 575 inmates, 546 prisoners escaped on the morning of 10 September. Jail Assistant Jitendra Chaudhary reports that five of the escapees have returned voluntarily.
Karnali Province
From Rukum West Jail, which holds 158 inmates, 88 prisoners escaped, and police have recaptured 45. From Jumla Jail, which holds 97 inmates, some inmates escape, and two of the fugitives have made contact so far.
In Dolpa Jail, inmates attempt to escape by detonating two cylinders, but the Nepal Army, Armed Police, and Nepal Police prevent their flight. Among the 10 districts of Karnali Province, Humla and Mugu have no jails.
Jails in Surkhet, Salyan, Jajarkot, and Dailekh, which are holding more inmates than their capacity, report no incidents. Currently, the Nepal Army, Armed Police, and Nepal Police are providing strict security and close monitoring at all jails.
In Dolpa Jail, inmates attempted to escape by detonating two cylinders, but the Nepal Army, Armed Police, and Nepal Police prevented their flight. Among Karnali Province’s 10 districts, Humla and Mugu have no jails.
Jails in Surkhet, Salyan, Jajarkot, and Dailekh, which are holding more inmates than their capacity, report no incidents. Currently, the Nepal Army, Armed Police, and Nepal Police are maintaining strict security and close monitoring at all jails.
Sudurpaschim Province
From Kailali District Jail, which holds 667 inmates, including 55 women, all 667 prisoners escaped. Jail Chief Prakash Dhungana reports that two of the escapees were arrested on 10 September 2025, and searches for the remaining fugitives are ongoing. During this process, two more inmates have been recaptured, and several are voluntarily making contact.
From Dadeldhura District Jail, 31 out of 85 escapees have been arrested, and searches for the remaining fugitives are ongoing, the District Police Office reports.
At Bajhang District Jail, 65 out of 66 inmates escaped, and five have been recaptured, the police report. From Baitadi District Jail, 61 out of 62 inmates escaped, and searches are underway, the District Police Office says.
At Kanchanpur Jail, 454 out of 476 inmates fled, and 21 have been arrested so far. At Doti Child Reform Home, 52 out of 53 children remain at large, and search operations are ongoing, the District Police Office reports.
In Achham District Jail, inmates demanded to be allowed outside and engage in arson and vandalism on 9 September 2025.
During the clash, prisoners damaged the jail structures, but security personnel regained control of the situation, as per Chief District Officer Anand Saru. From Darchula District Jail, 71 out of 77 inmates escaped on 9 September 2025. Chief District Officer Anil Paudel reports that police have recaptured five of the escapees, and searches for the remaining fugitives are ongoing.