Among those who escaped from various jails and reform homes during the Gen-Z protests, nearly 5,700 inmates are still at large. Following the nationwide surge of the Gen-Z protests, 13,589 inmates escaped from 28 jails and 964 juveniles from nine reform homes, totaling 14,553 escapees. As of the afternoon of 7 October, 8510 inmates and 341 juveniles , a total of 8,851 prisoners have returned to jail. According to Chomendra Neupane, Director of the Jail Management Department, a total of 5,697 inmates including 5,079 adult prisoners and 618 juveniles are still at large. The Ministry of Home Affairs had issued an ultimatum on September 26 for the escaped inmates to return to jail by October 6. With a large number of prisoners serving sentences for various crimes remaining fugitive, the government faces increased security challenges in society. Consequently, a special operation has been launched to bring the escaped inmates back to jail. Under this operation, security personnel are apprehending fugitives and returning them to their respective jails.
The Ministry had formed a task force to search for, control, and apprehend escaped inmates and promptly return them to jail. The task force is coordinated by the Assistant Chief District Officer of the respective districts and includes representatives from security and other relevant agencies. Taking advantage of the protests, inmates escaped from jails in Jhumka, Solukhumbu, Saptari, Mahottari, Rautahat, Sindhuli, Nakhu, Jagannathdewal, Dillibazar, Makwanpur, Rasuwa, Chitwan, Tanahun, Kaski, Parbat, Myagdi, Kapilvastu, Tulsipur, Nawalparasi, Jumla, Bajhang, Kailali, Darchula, Baitadi, Dadeldhura, and Kanchanpur.
Similarly, 963 juveniles escaped from juvenile homes in Morang, Parsa, Bhaktapur, Makwanpur, Kaski, Rupandehi, Jajarkot, Nuwakot, and Doti. During attempts to break through security, three inmates were shot dead in Ramechhap and two in Dhading. Additionally, five juveniles died during clashes at the Nuwakot juvenile home. Jail authorities have been notifying escaped inmates to return immediately. The department stated that fugitives who ignore government notices will face legal action as per prevailing laws.
Across 75 jails in 72 districts, there are 30,646 inmates serving sentences for various crimes. Jails are not available in Dhanusha, Bara, Bhaktapur, Nawalparasi (Bardaghat East), and Rukum East.
National News Agency