Since the intensification of the Gen Z movement last year in Bhadra, more than 3,500 prisoners who escaped from various prisons nationwide remain uncaptured and have yet to be brought back into custody. According to a spokesperson from the Prison Management Department, as of Ashoj 28, a total of 3,520 prisoners are still at large. Although efforts to re-arrest all escaped inmates continue, the department’s Director General characterized the progress as “somewhat slow.”
Given that some inmates might return home during major festivals, a former senior police official has recommended adjusting security strategies accordingly. There is ongoing concern regarding the fact that, even after a year since the Gen Z movement, none of the escaped prisoners have been safely returned to prison. The department reported that out of those at large, 2,985 are Nepali nationals and 535 are foreign inmates, with female prisoners among the escapees numbering 3,344.
Director General Madhav Prasad Pokharel stated that in every district, search and capture teams led by the Assistant Chief District Officers are operational to track down escaped prisoners. He said, “Police efforts to apprehend them are ongoing. Progress is happening, but it appears somewhat slow.” Spokesperson Jank Raj Pant further noted that during festivals like Dashain and Tihar, there is a possibility that escaped inmates may return home, and thus security strategies should be adapted accordingly.
Former Nepal Police Deputy Inspector General Hemant Mall Thakuri expressed dissatisfaction with the pace of progress in re-capturing escaped prisoners, stating, “I do not consider it satisfactory.” He advocated for adopting new approaches to bring back the remaining escaped prisoners, asserting, “This problem cannot be solved by the police alone.” Under legal provisions, individuals who harbor or conceal escaped prisoners are also subject to punishment.
