Massive hunt launched as up to 50 inmates on the run after Malir jailbreak

KARACHI: Law enforcers launched a massive hunt after upto 50 prisoners escaped from the Malir district jail late on Monday night.Police officials said the jailbreak occurred when multiple earthquakes caused cracks in barrack walls of the overcrowded prison, which reportedly has between 3,500 and 4,000 inmates. Talking to Geo News, Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan said from 45 to 50 prisoners managed to escape from the Malir jail during scuffles with police inside the jail. He said that from 30 to 35 prisoners had already been rearrested.

Lanjar said none of the escaped prisoners was a hardcore criminal. He said most of these prisoners were involved in petty crimes.He directed that re-arrest of the escaped prisoners should be carried out by taking highly coordinated and effective measures at the district level. He further said the task should be completed by taking all measures, including blockade, reconnaissance, surveillance and intelligence.

The home minister described the jailbreak a very serious incident.Earlier, taking to media persons, DIG Prisons Muhammad Hassan Sahito confirmed some inmates had escaped after bringing down barrack walls and the Mari Gate of the Malir jail. He said prisoners also tortured and injured some policemen.

Police sources some inmates snatched weapons from policemen before fleeing. Paramilitary Rangers also arrived at the prison to assist the police in bringing the situation under control.

Malir SSP Arshad Hussain said a shootout took place between cops and prisoners, leaving one inmate injured. Personnel from different police stations also joined the search operation.Police said that over 20 inmates were arrested again during a search operation in nearby areas, including Cattle Colony and Shah Latif Town.

The Sindh minister for prisons, Ali Hassan Zardari, took notice of the incident and sought reports from the prisons IG and DIG.He directed that the area should be cordoned off, and if any prisoner has escaped, he should be caught at all costs. He said officers who were negligent in the incident would be identified.