216 Prisoners Escape from Karachi Jail After Earthquake, Over 80 Re-Arrested
Islamabad (The Uttam Hindu): 216 prisoners escaped from Malir Jail amid the chaos created by an earthquake in Karachi city of Pakistan on Monday night. About 80 of these prisoners have been recaptured, while 135 are still absconding. The incident has raised serious questions on Pakistan's prison security system.
216 prisoners escaped from Karachi jail in Pakistan, there was chaos after the earthquake; more than 80 were caught again : According to jail superintendent Arshad Shah, 700 to 1000 prisoners were taken out of the barracks as a precautionary measure when the tremors were felt. During this, there was a stampede at the main gate and 216 prisoners escaped taking advantage of the opportunity. Initial media reports had revealed that they escaped by breaking the wall, which the administration has rejected. They clarified that all the prisoners escaped from the main gate taking advantage of the crowd.
Teams of Special Security Unit (SSU), Rapid Response Force (RRF), Rangers and Frontier Corps (FC) are jointly conducting search operations to trace the escaped prisoners. The jail was immediately taken under control by Rangers and FC. One prisoner died during the stampede, while four security personnel were injured. Home Minister Muhammad Zarrar Lanjar confirmed the incident and said that administrative negligence is suspected in the initial investigation.
Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has been given full information about the incident. He has instructed the Home Minister to immediately reach the spot and monitor the situation. Sindh Governor Kamran Tesori has also taken cognizance of the incident and has asked to ensure the immediate arrest of all the absconding prisoners. The Home Minister has assured that the identity and record of every absconding prisoner is available with the administration, and raids are going on at their homes and possible hideouts. The Jail Minister has said that disciplinary action will be taken against negligent jail officials. Also, security checkpoints and monitoring system are being tightened so that such incidents do not happen again.