Kathmandu: Taking advantage of the Gen-G movement and lapses in security, 14,549 prisoners escaped from prisons and correctional homes across Nepal. According to Sandesh Prasad Joshi, Information Officer at the Prison Management Department, only 7,735 prisoners have returned by Wednesday evening, leaving 6,813 inmates still absconding.

Escapes from Prisons and Correctional Homes

Of the total escapees, 13,585 were from prisons and 964 from correctional homes. So far, 7,394 prisoners and 341 from correctional homes have returned or been arrested.
Currently, Nepal houses 30,641 inmates, of which 29,219 are in prisons and 1,422 in correctional homes. Escapes were reported from 28 prisons and 9 correctional homes across the country.

Deaths and Suicide Reported

During the mass prison breaks, 10 people died, including 5 inmates in prisons and 5 in correctional homes. Fatal incidents occurred in Ramechhap (3), Dhading (2), and Naubasta Child Correctional Home (5).
In addition, one escapee from Saptari committed suicide in a nearby forest, raising the total death toll to 11.

Security Failures and Rising Fear

Authorities admit that negligence of security personnel enabled the mass escape. Many of the fugitives include life-sentenced prisoners for heinous crimes such as murder and rape, heightening fear and insecurity in society.
The Prison Management Department had issued a public notice urging escapees to return, but the number of voluntary returns has sharply decreased in recent days.

Criminals Crossing Borders

Police sources said many Indian nationals imprisoned in Nepal fled across the border and have not returned. Security forces continue search operations, but reports indicate some fugitives have already resumed criminal activities, posing serious risks to communities.

High-Profile Escape Case

The escape wave intensified after Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) President Rabi Lamichhane walked out of Nakkhu Prison on Bhadra 24 along with cadres and family members. Following his escape, mass breakouts spread across the country.
Meanwhile, one escapee from Nakkhu Prison, Kedar Sharma, operator of Shiva Shikhar Multi-Purpose Cooperative Society Limited, Bhaktapur, was arrested in Sanepa, Lalitpur on Wednesday by the Central Investigation Bureau and handed back to Nakkhu authorities.