216 Inmates Escape Malir Jail After Earthquake
Karachi: 216 Inmates Escape Malir Jail After Earthquake, 80 Recaptured, One Dead
In a shocking incident in Karachi, 216 inmates escaped from Malir Jail after an earthquake caused structural damage to the prison walls. According to Jail Superintendent Arshad Shah, over 600 prisoners had been relocated from their barracks for safety due to the earthquake. During this time, 216 prisoners managed to flee.
So far, 80 of the escaped prisoners have been recaptured, while one inmate has died and several others were injured during the chaos. Two Frontier Corps (FC) personnel and two police officers were also wounded and shifted to Jinnah Hospital.
Initial reports suggest cracks developed in the prison walls due to the tremors, and around 80 to 100 inmates used the opportunity to break through and escape. Authorities say that over 46 inmates were caught in the initial response, while one died and four were injured.
Sindh Home Minister Zia-ul-Hasan Lanjar confirmed that no high-profile inmates were present in the jail at the time. He stated that prisoners had been moved into the jail courtyard for safety when the quake struck, and the mass gathering enabled the escape.
The minister assured that search operations are underway to rearrest the fugitives, and jail security is being reviewed. The DIG Prisons said the situation is now under control, and a final count is being conducted to determine the exact number of escaped inmates. IG Prisons has also reached the site.
Additional IG Karachi Javed Alam Odho stated that the incident occurred around 1 AM. Police acted swiftly to stop more prisoners from escaping. According to him, all inmates are now back in their barracks and a headcount is ongoing.
In response, Sindh’s Home Minister has taken strict notice of the escape and instructed the SSP Malir to coordinate with jail authorities for urgent recovery of the escapees. Around 35 to 40 prisoners have reportedly been re-arrested so far.
DG Rangers Sindh, Major General Mohammad Shamraiz, visited the jail along with other senior police and Rangers officials and was briefed on the situation. Residents near the jail reported hearing continuous gunfire, creating panic in nearby areas.
Security forces have sealed the jail’s entry and exit points and launched a search operation in surrounding areas. Full investigation into the incident is ongoing, and law enforcement remains on high alert to prevent any further incidents.
