A major security breach occurred on Thursday when over a dozen high-risk inmates escaped from Chaman District Jail in Balochistan, leading to immediate action from local law enforcement.
The escape happened early Thursday morning, during the time set aside for Eid prayers. Police sources report that inmates from Barrack No. 4, most of whom were charged with serious crimes like murder and attempted murder, launched a surprise assault on the on-duty police officers.
Armed with crutches from disabled inmates, over 15 prisoners overpowered the officers, seized a service-issued Kalashnikov from a guard at the main gate, and initiated gunfire. Amid the ensuing turmoil, a police officer was injured and subsequently admitted to a hospital.
The inmates then shot the lock off the main gate, facilitating their escape. The group included more than a dozen prisoners.
Chaman District Jail is located on Taj Road, near the city’s police station.
Upon the prisoners’ escape, the police and the Quick Response Force (QRF) launched a manhunt, stated Superintendent of Police Naeem Achakzai.
A confrontation between the police and the escapees in the Hudi Pakht and Gorai Kahol regions resulted in one escapee’s death and the wounding of two others, who were later hospitalized.
Superintendent Achakzai suggested the possibility of outside assistance in the prisoners’ escape. He also noted that the police force within the jail had been downsized due to the Eid festivities, as several officers were assigned to duties at Eidgahs.
