RAWALPINDI: Fourteen under-trial prisoners escaped from police custody after allegedly throwing chili powder into the eyes of police officers while being transported back to Adiala Jail following a court appearance, police said on Monday.
According to a spokesperson for Rawalpindi Police, the incident took place near Chakkian Post when the van was stopped for inspection. When the police tried to open the doors of the van, one of the prisoners allegedly threw chili powder in the eyes of the policemen accompanying them, enabling other prisoners to escape.
A search operation was initiated by police, and through coordination with Kahuta Police, four of the escaped prisoners were captured. The efforts to capture the rest of the ten fugitives are on.
All entries and exits in Kahuta town have been sealed; additional security arrangements have been made in the area of Chakkian Post and the surroundings, along with checking stations at Kahuta Road. Extra police forces have been arranged, and locals have been requested to help in identifying the fugitives.
Top police officials visited the site to oversee the ongoing operation. According to initial findings, a fight broke out amongst the prisoners in the van prior to the escape.
Rawalpindi City Police Officer (CPO) Syed Khalid Hamdani has taken notice of the incident and sought a detailed report. Police said all of the escaped individuals are undertrial prisoners and confirmed that the incident occurred within the jurisdiction of Sihala Police in Islamabad, with coordination underway between the relevant law enforcement agencies.
Police said an investigation has been launched under the supervision of senior officers. They pledged to arrest the remaining escapees and initiate strict departmental action against anyone found responsible for security lapses.
