At least 17 high-profile prisoners on Thursday managed to escape from the Chaman prison in Balochistan while one other was killed by police firing.
The jailbreak occurred early in the morning during the period reserved for Eid prayers.
Police said Barrack Number 4’s prisoners, who were mostly implicated in serious crimes, including murder and attempted murder, staged a surprise attack on the officers on duty.
Armed with the crutches of disabled inmates, at least 20 prisoners overwhelmed the on-duty officers, managed to snatch an official Kalashnikov from a sentry posted at the main gate, and opened fire.
As a result, one police officer was injured.
The prisoners then shot open the main gate’s lock to escape.
Chaman jail is situated on Taj Road, near the city’s police station.
Following the escape, the police, along with the Quick Response Force, immediately initiated a search operation, according to Superintendent of Police Naeem Achakzai.
Encounters between the police and the escaped prisoners in the areas of Hudi Pakht and Gorai Kahol led to the death of one of the fugitives and injured two others, who were taken to the hospital.
SP Achakzai raised the possibility that external facilitators might have aided the prisoners in their escape.
Balochistan Home Minister Mir Ziaullah Langove ordered an inquiry into the incident and directed the police to round up the escaped prisoners.
He also directed the prison chief to conduct a thorough inquiry against the jail wardens posted there at the time.
The police claimed to have re-arrested one of the prisoners. The department has suspended three police officers, including the jailer, and launched an inquiry against them.
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