At least 14 undertrial prisoners escaped while being transported to Adiala Jail in Pakistan’s Punjab province, according to a media report on Tuesday.
Police recaptured four of the escapees, while search operations are underway to trace the remaining 10, The Express Tribune reported.
The incident took place on Monday when 36 undertrial prisoners were being taken back to the jail after appearing before the Kahuta tehsil court near Rawalpindi.
As the prison van reached the Chakian area under the jurisdiction of Sihala Police Station in Islamabad, escort personnel heard shouting and commotion from inside the prisoners’ compartment.
Police said Sub-Inspector Imtiaz, who was leading the escort team, opened the compartment to intervene. The inmates allegedly threw red chilli powder into the eyes of the police personnel before fleeing in different directions.
While four prisoners were swiftly recaptured and taken back into custody, 10 others managed to escape. Authorities have launched a search operation to apprehend the remaining fugitives.
