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Nepal's Prison Crisis: Why 4,552 Fugitives Remain at Large After Protests

Nepal is facing a major security headache after thousands of prisoners broke out during protests. The government is still trying to track down over 4,500 of them. On top of that, a huge stash of guns and bullets was stolen in the chaos. Officials are really worried these fugitives and weapons could cause trouble in the upcoming elections.

Key Points: Nepal Seeks 4552 Inmates Who Fled During Gen-Z Unrest

  • Nearly 15,000 inmates escaped during September's Gen-Z protest chaos
  • Over 1,200 firearms and 100,000 rounds of ammunition were looted
  • Authorities have recovered 727 guns but thousands of fugitives remain free
  • Concerns mount that escapees and weapons could disrupt upcoming March elections
2 min read

Nepal still clueless over 4552 inmates who fled during Gen-Z unrest

Nepal's Home Minister reveals over 4,500 escaped inmates are still missing, with hundreds of weapons looted, raising election security fears.

"We are making every effort to seize all looted weapons and ammunition, and we will not allow these factors to affect the elections. - Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal"

Kathmandu, Dec 2

Over 4, 500 inmates who had escaped during the Gen-Z protests in Nepal in early September are yet to be brought under control, Nepal's Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal said on Tuesday.

During the Gen-Z protests on September 8 and 9, when the law and order situation was in disarray, several prisons were attacked and nearly 15,000 jailbirds convicted of various crimes escaped, according to Nepal Police.

Speaking at a security conference held in Dhangadhi town of Sudurpaschim Province, Home Minister Aryal said that as many as 4,552 escapees are yet to return to complete their jail terms. He said efforts are underway to rearrest all those who remain at large. “The number of escapees convicted of serious crimes like murder is limited,” he claimed.

During the mayhem following the Gen-Z protests, hundreds of weapons and large quantities of ammunition were also looted. Police said that more than 1200 rifles and pistols and around 100,000 rounds of ammunition were stolen amid the lawless environment in September.

Home Minister Aryal said that 727 stolen guns have been recovered so far. With Nepal scheduled to hold elections for the House of Representatives on March 5 next year, concerns have grown about the potential misuse of escaped inmates, weapons, and ammunition to influence the polls.

There have been reports that some escapees have already reengaged in criminal activities.

Aryal said the government will ensure that neither the escaped prisoners nor the looted weapons are used to create trouble during the upcoming elections. “We have increasingly succeeded in arresting the escapees and recovering the stolen weapons,” he said. “We are making every effort to seize all looted weapons and ammunition, and we will not allow these factors to affect the elections.”

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
Wow, 4500+ inmates still free? And 100,000 rounds of ammunition stolen? That's terrifying for the common people there. My heart goes out to the citizens of Nepal who have to live with this fear. Protests are one thing, but this level of chaos and lawlessness is unacceptable. 🙏 Hope peace is restored soon.
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Aman W
The Home Minister says the number convicted of serious crimes is "limited". That's not very reassuring! Even a few dozen murderers on the loose is a huge problem. The government seems to be downplaying the severity. They need a massive, transparent operation to round these people up before the elections.
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Sarah B
Reading this from a travel perspective. I had plans to visit Nepal next year. This situation makes me reconsider. Safety for tourists must be a top priority for their government if they want to revive tourism. Hope they resolve this quickly and transparently.
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Vikram M
This shows how quickly things can spiral out of control. The Gen-Z protests had legitimate concerns, but the aftermath is a lesson for all democracies. You cannot let institutions break down. Wishing strength to the Nepali police and hope they get all the support they need. Jai Nepal!
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Karthik V
A respectful criticism: The article mentions "reports" of re-engagement in crime, but no numbers or specifics. More investigative journalism is needed. How many have been re-arrested? What's the actual threat assessment? The public deserves clearer information, not just ministerial statements.

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