The escape of 19 prisoners from Rawalakot Jail has triggered a series of consequential actions, including the removal of the inspector general of prisons, who has been made an Officer on Special Duty (OSD).
Moreover, seven officials, including the deputy superintendent of Rawalakot Jail, have been detained and investigations into the breach of security commenced. Ghazi Shahzad, a notable escapee, was ordered transferred to Mirpur by the Azad Kashmir High Court on June 20.
In response to the security lapse, all jails across Azad Kashmir have been placed on high alert. Additionally, the government has suspended the superintendent and other staff members of Rawalakot Jail over allegations of negligence. A judicial commission has been requested by the government to investigate the circumstances leading to the escape.
Authorities are actively conducting raids and search operations to locate the escaped prisoners. The identities and criminal backgrounds of the escaped inmates have been disclosed, revealing that six of them were sentenced to death, while three others were serving lengthy prison terms of 25 years.
Moreover, three more were sentenced to 10 years in prison, while six others were detainees. The prisoner, who was shot dead while escaping, was serving a five-year sentence.
Also Read: Notorious criminal among 19 prisoners escape Rawalakot Jail
The prisoner's death prompted the registration of a murder case based on a complaint from the deceased's brother, Khayyam Saeed. The case names the jail superintendent, deputy jail superintendent, and other officials on duty.
On Sunday, 19 prisoners escaped from the District Jail Rawalakot in Poonch district of Azad Kashmir, taking police officers hostage in the process.
According to police reports, the inmates, including the notorious Ghazi Shahzad, managed to overpower the police officers at gunpoint before making their escape. Bagh SP Khuram Iqbal detailed the incident, stating that the prisoners opened fire on the police during their escape.
