Three Dead as Clashes Rock Nepal Prisons; Over 15,000 Inmates Escape Amid Nationwide Unrest

Kathmandu, Sept 11: At least three inmates were killed and several others injured after violent clashes erupted between prisoners and security personnel at a district prison, as widespread anti-government protests in Nepal triggered mass jailbreaks across the country. According to official and media reports, more than 15,000 inmates fled from over two dozen prisons amid arson, riots and attacks on prison facilities.

How the Violence Began

The unrest followed large-scale anti-government demonstrations that swept multiple provinces. In one reported incident at Ramechhap district prison in Madhesh province, inmates allegedly attempted to force a breakout by causing an explosion using a gas cylinder; security forces opened fire to regain control, leaving three prisoners dead and at least 13 injured, who were taken to the district hospital.

Mass Escapes and Scale of the Breakouts

Media accounts compiled by authorities indicate that prison gates were forced open, administrative blocks torched and guards overwhelmed as protesters and inmates exploited the chaos. Preliminary tallies cited by reporting outlets put the number of escapees at more than 15,000 from more than 25 facilities — including large jailbreaks from central jails in the Kathmandu Valley and several district prisons. Security agencies were mobilised nationwide to re-apprehend escapees and restore order.

Notable Incidents and Figures

Some of the larger escapes listed in reports include thousands fleeing from major facilities such as the Central Jail in Sundhara and Nakkhu Prison in Lalitpur. The Kaski District Prison reported 773 escapees, among them several foreign nationals. Officials said authorities were still compiling final counts as figures continued to be updated.

Security Response

The Nepal Army, Armed Police Force and police units have been deployed across provinces to re-arrest escapees and secure prisons. The Department of Prison Management and the Director General of Prisons confirmed nationwide mobilization of resources and coordination with security forces to bring the situation under control. Cross-border incidents were also reported: India’s paramilitary Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) detained a number of inmates near southern border checkpoints while some escapees tried to cross into India.

Context: Protests and Political Fallout

The prison unrest occurred in the wake of massive anti-government protests that had already led to significant political upheaval — reports say Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli resigned amid the crisis. The disturbances are part of a broader wave of demonstrations that included youth-led groups and violent clashes in multiple urban and rural areas across Nepal.

Humanitarian and Public Safety Concerns

Authorities have warned of public safety risks from large numbers of absconding inmates and have urged citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious persons. Hospitals treating the injured faced increased pressure, and law-and-order agencies have prioritized locating and securing high-risk escapees first. The Department of Prison Management also emphasised that figures remain provisional as the situation evolves.

What Officials Say

The Director General of Prisons stated security forces are “mobilising all available resources” to round up escapees and restore normalcy. Local police units were working with the Army and Armed Police Force to cordon sensitive areas, secure prison perimeters and recapture those who fled during the violence.

Labels: Nepal Unrest, Prison Breaks, Prison Clashes, Public Safety, International

Tags: #Nepal #PrisonBreak #Unrest #Kathmandu #DailyExcelsior

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