5,547 jail escapees’ names released, additional sentences to absconders

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Oct. 14: The Department of Prison Management (DoPM) has released the names of 5,547 inmates who remain at large as of October 12.

The inmates had escaped after breaking out of prisons nationwide during the Gen Z movement on September 9. Their names were made public after respective prison offices failed to re-establish contact or apprehend them on Sunday evening. 

“The list of escaped inmates has been circulated to all 77 District Administration Offices, as well as to security agencies, the Election Commission, the Department of 

Immigration, the Department of Land Management, the Department of Transport Management, the Passport Department, the Department of Foreign Employment, the Department of Labour, and the Survey Department, among other offices that provide high-volume public services,” said Chomendra Neupane, Spokesperson for the Prison Management.

Neupane said that the names of absconding inmates were released because the fugitives could potentially reach service-providing government agencies and offices.

The mass jailbreak occurred after Rabi Lamichhane, President of the Rastriya Swatantra Party, walked out of Nakkhu Prison amid the Gen Z protests. Following his release, inmates in 26 prisons across the country broke free.

According to the Department, 9,008 escaped prisoners have since returned to prison, but the rest remain at large, posing growing security challenges. 

Authorities say some fugitives have already been involved in new criminal incidents, causing widespread public anxiety like incident of Kavreplanchowk, where an inmate reached home and killed his own wife.

Additional punishment for escapees 

Earlier, the Department had given prisoners who escaped during the protests a chance to return to jail by October 6. Director Neupane said that those who failed to return within this period will face additional punishment.

"Even after giving the opportunity, prisoners who do not return will be dealt with according to the Prison Management Act," he said.

According to Section 49 of the Prison Management Act-2079, a person on probation or parole in a correctional facility, rehabilitation centre, or juvenile correctional home who escapes may face up to five years in prison, a fine of up to Rs. 50,000, or both.

Director Neupane also said that some escaped prisoners were involved in damaging the physical structure of the prison, and in such cases, offenders may face up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to Rs. 100,000.

The Act stipulates that destroying a prison wall, window, or door can result in a maximum of 10 years imprisonment. Prior to Dashain festival, the Prison Department had issued a notice warning that anyone hiding or providing shelter to escaped prisoners would also be considered guilty and punished according to the law.

Director Neupane said that during the search for prisoners, if someone is found sheltering an escapee, that person will also face punishment.

According to the law, helping someone escape from prison can result in up to three years in jail, a fine of Rs. 30,000, or both.