Kathmandu: The controversy surrounding the mass prison break has deepened with shocking new claims that former Home Minister and Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) President Rabi Lamichhane and several of his party members were directly involved in orchestrating the escape.

According to reports and circulating video footage, former RSP lawmaker Manish Jha was seen setting fire to structures inside Nakkhu Prison, shortly before hundreds of inmates broke free. Jha, a former MP, has not denied his involvement publicly, raising further suspicions. Eyewitnesses and security sources allege that Jha played a “direct role” in the arson attack that led to the chaos.

Additional footage allegedly shows other ex-MPs and RSP cadres celebrating outside the prison compound after Lamichhane himself reportedly escaped, waving to supporters as though celebrating a political victory.

Trigger for Nationwide Prison Escapes

The Nakkhu incident is now believed to have sparked a chain reaction across the country, leading to mass escapes from 28 prisons and nine correctional homes. In total, 14,500 inmates fled custody, with over 7,600 still at large, including several convicted of serious crimes such as murder and rape. The chaos has left citizens fearful, with law enforcement agencies on high alert.

Political Firestorm and Calls for Probe

The alleged involvement of a former Home Minister and sitting party president in such a high-profile security breach has triggered a political crisis. Analysts warn that if proven true, it represents not just a breakdown of law and order but also a deliberate attack on state authority.

The Nepali Congress (NC) and CPN-UML have called for an independent parliamentary inquiry and criminal prosecution of those responsible. Leaders from both parties have argued that this is no longer just a law-and-order problem but a threat to Nepal’s democratic system.

RSP, meanwhile, has dismissed the allegations as a smear campaign aimed at discrediting Lamichhane ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

Government’s Response

The Ministry of Home Affairs has vowed to recapture all escapees and tighten prison security. A special high-level task force has been formed to investigate how such a large-scale prison break was possible and whether political actors colluded with insiders.

Background and Implications

Lamichhane rose to prominence as an anti-establishment leader promising to clean up corruption and bureaucracy. But this incident has severely dented his image and raised concerns about the growing radicalization of his party. Political observers suggest this could become a defining moment for Nepali politics, either ending Lamichhane’s rise or deepening polarization among the electorate.