Five officials of Adiala Central Jail, including the guard in charge, have been arrested after 14 undertrial prisoners escaped from a prison van following a court appearance in Rawalpindi, authorities said.
According to officials, the arrested personnel were on duty when the prisoners fled on Monday evening. Investigators have launched a detailed inquiry and are examining the officials’ mobile phone data and call records as part of the investigation.
The incident occurred after the prisoners were produced before courts in Kahuta. Police said the prison van was transporting 36 undertrial prisoners when 14 of them allegedly created a disturbance, threw chilli powder into the eyes of escorting officers and escaped in the Sihala area of Islamabad.
Authorities are reviewing the security arrangements to determine whether standard operating procedures (SOPs) for transporting prisoners were followed. The investigation will examine how many prisoners were handcuffed, the number of armed personnel assigned to escort the vehicle, the allocation of security duties, and whether the undertrial prisoners met anyone during their court appearance.
A special investigation team has been formed to determine the circumstances surrounding the escape and identify any negligence or procedural lapses.
Taking notice of the incident, Punjab Inspector General of Police Rao Abdul Kareem sought a detailed report from Rawalpindi Regional Police Officer DIG Babar Sarfraz Alpa. He also ordered the transfer of SP Headquarters Mudassar Iqbal to Lahore and suspended DSP Headquarters Imtiaz Ahmed pending the outcome of the inquiry.
Police have released details of the escaped prisoners, who are facing charges in various criminal cases, including murder, attempted murder, robbery and narcotics offences.
Security agencies have launched search operations to trace and arrest the fugitives, while authorities continue to investigate whether the escape was aided by negligence or any organised assistance.
The incident has raised concerns over prison security and prisoner transport procedures, with officials expected to recommend measures to prevent similar breaches in the future.