KANCHANPUR: Authorities have set a deadline of 5 p.m. today (Sunday) for the return of prisoners and detainees who escaped from Kanchanpur Prison during the Gen-G demonstration.

The decision was made during a meeting of the task force formed to search for and arrest escaped inmates, which concluded that those who fail to return within the deadline will face strict action under existing laws.

Authorities Issue Final Warning

According to Acting Prison Administrator Ramdutt Joshi, a public notice was earlier issued by both the District Administration Office and the Prison Office, urging escaped inmates to voluntarily return.

“After the notice was published, some prisoners and detainees have come in contact,” Joshi said. “However, several others are still missing.”

He warned that those who do not return by the deadline will face punishment as per the Prison Act 2079 BS and other prevailing laws. Similarly, individuals found hiding, sheltering, or assisting escaped prisoners will also face criminal charges.

Families and Communities Urged to Cooperate

The Prison Office has appealed to families, community members, civil society organizations, and local stakeholders to assist in ensuring the safe return of all escaped prisoners and detainees.

According to the latest records, 478 inmates had escaped from Kanchanpur Prison on Bhadra 24 during the Gen-G unrest. Of them, 116 are still at large.

“Some inmates have returned voluntarily, while others have been arrested and brought back by police,” Joshi added.