More than 200 prisoners ran away from a high-security jail in Karachi, Pakistan, after an earthquake caused confusion, a minister said on Tuesday. Sindh Home Minister Zia-ul Hasan Lanjhar said the government would reduce the sentences of prisoners who come back on their own. But he warned that those caught by the police would face strict punishment under anti-terrorism laws, according to PTI.
Police said hundreds of prisoners broke the doors of their cells after they felt tremors at Malir Jail in Karachi, which was shaken by three small earthquakes on Monday.
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How The Prisoners Escaped
According to PTI reports, on Monday night, the prisoners got scared as the earthquake jolted the area. Following this, they began acting violently and forced their way out of their cells. Pakistan has recently been rocked by multiple earthquakes, with over five of them being reported in May alone.
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78 Prisoners Re-Captured In 24 hours
According to various news reports, as many as 216 prisoners had escaped the jail. Out of which 78 prisoners were recaptured in 24 hours. A prisoner was shot dead while trying to escape. A dozen policemen and prisoners were injured in the violence, according to Pakistani media reports. According to a BBC report, Police are now going door-to-door, visiting past residences to arrest those who are still on the run. The facility in the Malir district is Sindh province's second largest prison, and is over capacity. While it can accommodate up to 2,200 prisoners, there are at least 5,000 inmates there currently.
Malir Jail
Malir Jail also holds over 100 Indian prisoners, most of whom are poor fishermen accused of accidentally crossing into Pakistan’s waters while fishing. According to a police official, these prisoners were kept in a separate barracks and stayed in their cells during the earthquake. Earlier, Jail Superintendent Arshad Shah said that more than 600 prisoners were taken out of their barracks during the earthquake, according to Geo TV. In response to the jailbreak, law enforcement authorities have launched a joint operation to track down the remaining escapees. The incident has also resulted in the dismissal of the Inspector General of Prisons, the jail superintendent, and other senior officials.
(With Multiple News Agency Inputs)