RAWALPINDI: Rawalpindi police have registered a criminal case over the escape of 14 under-trial prisoners from a police transit van near Sihala and arrested five police personnel over alleged negligence as authorities widened their investigation into one of the country’s biggest recent custody breaches.
The case was registered on the complaint of the lock-up guard after the incident, in which prisoners escaped while being transported back to Adiala Jail following a court appearance in Kahuta.
According to the first information report (FIR), 36 under-trial prisoners were being taken to the jail when a fight broke out inside the prison van.
Police said the vehicle was stopped to investigate the disturbance, during which inmates allegedly threw chilli powder into the eyes of escort personnel before fleeing from custody.
Four of the 14 escaped prisoners were recaptured shortly after the incident, while search operations are continuing to arrest the remaining 10 fugitives.
The FIR includes charges of obstructing public servants from performing their duties, assaulting law enforcement personnel and escaping from lawful custody.
As part of the inquiry, police have detained five officials, including the guard commander on duty, over alleged negligence.
Investigators are examining the detained officers’ mobile phone records and call data, while also reviewing details of prisoner visits at the Kahuta court before the transfer.
The inquiry team has sought records to determine how many prisoners were handcuffed during transport and is reviewing the deployment of escort personnel, weapons issued to the convoy, duty assignments and overall security arrangements.
Authorities are also investigating whether standard operating procedures for transporting prisoners were followed.
Sources said Rawalpindi SP Headquarters Mudassar Iqbal has been removed from his post and directed to report to Lahore.
Following the incident, Punjab Inspector General of Police Dr Usman Anwar ordered a high-level inquiry and sought a detailed report from the Rawalpindi Regional Police Officer.
A large-scale manhunt remains under way in the areas surrounding the Chakiya check post, while police have placed Kahuta on high alert by sealing entry and exit points and establishing checkpoints along Kahuta Road.
Police have also appealed to local residents to report any suspicious individuals as efforts continue to trace the remaining escapees.
