Atleast 10 under trial dangerous prisoners, who escaped while being transported from court to the Adiala Jail Rawalpindi, are still at large while five police officials have been arrested for negligence.
A major security scare shook Punjab Police after 14 dangerous under trial prisoners escaped from a prison van near Chakian Stop in the limits of Sahala Police Station on Kahuta Road, Rawalpindi on Monday evening.
Inspector General of Punjab Police, Rao Abdul Karim, took immediate notice of the incident. SP Headquarters Mudassar Iqbal was removed from his post and directed to report to the Central Police Office (CPO) over allegations of negligence and carelessness.
A notification was also issued for the suspension of DSP Headquarters Muhammad Imtiaz and his transfer to the CPO.
Sources said Sub-Inspector Imtiaz, who was serving as the prison van guard in-charge, has been taken into protective custody.
Five Rawalpindi Police officials deployed for prisoner security were also detained by Sahala Police.
The detained personnel include Sub-Inspector Imtiaz, Head Constable Yasir, Constable Muharram, Constable Uzair and others. Police have started legal proceedings against them on charges of negligence and misconduct.
According to police, a total of 14 under trial prisoners escaped from the prison van. Punjab Highway Patrol managed to recapture four suspects during a timely operation.
The four arrested suspects were later handed over to Sahala Police, while 10 dangerous prisoners remain at large.
Police sources said the escaped prisoners were involved in serious crimes, including murder, attempted murder, robbery and murder during robbery. Authorities have also compiled complete details of the fugitives.
Absconding prisoners identified
The absconding suspects include Alam Zeb, arrested in a narcotics case; Wahab Qayyum, held in a serious robbery case; Ehtesham Shabbir, Adil and Shah Zaigham Shah, who were facing robbery charges; Adnan alias Dani and Waheed alias Waheedi, arrested in murder cases; and Shamair, Abdul Rehman and Asad Satti, who were facing attempted murder and other criminal charges.
Following the incident, Rawalpindi and Islamabad Police launched separate search operations. Raids are also being carried out at the homes of the escaped prisoners.
Police said three special teams have been formed to arrest the remaining fugitives. However, no further arrests had been reported till the filing of this report.
Officials said all available resources are being used to ensure the early arrest of the escaped prisoners, while investigations into every aspect of the incident are underway.
