KATHMANDU: Following the Gen Z demonstrations on September 8 and 9, prisoners have escaped from 27 prisons across Nepal.

In addition, inmates from nine juvenile correction centers were also reported missing.

According to Chomendra Neupane, Director of the Department of Prison Management, a total of 13,591 prisoners out of 29,212 escaped from the prisons, while 964 out of 1,422 juveniles fled from correction centers.

Escapes were reported from prisons in Jhumpka, Solukhumbu, Saptari, Mahottari, Rautahat, Sindhuli, Nakkhu, Jagannathdewal, Dillibazar, Rasuwa, Chitwan, Tanahun, Kaski, Parbat, Kapilvastu, Tulsipur, Naubasta, Rukum Purba, Jumla, Bajhang, Kailali, Darchula, Baitadi, Dadeldhura, and Kanchanpur.

Juvenile correction centers in Morang, Parsa, Bhaktapur, Makwanpur, Kaski, Rupandehi, and Doti also reported missing inmates.

Director Neupane added that so far, 5,495 prisoners and 244 juveniles have been recaptured. However, 8,816 prisoners remain at large, and search operations are ongoing.

The police have confirmed that some escaped prisoners were in police custody at the time and are also being sought.