Search under way for remaining inmates as probe examines security lapses and planning
QUETTA:
Six of the 27 prisoners who escaped during a coordinated attack on Central Jail Mastung have voluntarily surrendered to authorities, according to jail sources.
On January 31, armed groups, including the banned Baloch Liberation Army, carried out a series of large-scale coordinated attacks across various districts of Balochistan. Among the targets was the Central Jail in Mastung, where attackers launched an assault on the facility.
The assailants attempted to seize control of the jail, took staff members hostage, broke locks, and facilitated the escape of approximately 27 prisoners. During the attack, several officials, including the jail superintendent, sustained injuries, while parts of the jail were set ablaze.
Read: The spectre of terror in Balochistan
Attacks were carried out almost simultaneously across multiple districts including Nushki, Mastung, Quetta, and other areas, targeting police stations, government offices, banks, and security forces’ installations.
According to jail sources, the escaped prisoners included both under-trial and convicted individuals facing charges related to terrorism, murder, narcotics, and other offences.
Six of the escaped prisoners contacted relevant authorities and presented themselves voluntarily. These prisoners have been taken back into custody by the Mastung jail administration.
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Security agencies are continuing their investigation to examine the circumstances surrounding the escape, possible assistance provided to the escapees, and other related details. Various aspects of the incident are under review, including lapses in jail security and analysis of the attack’s planning and execution.
Police and relevant institutions are continuing search operations for the remaining escaped prisoners. Security officials told The Express Tribune that the other escaped prisoners will be arrested soon to ensure the rule of law.
The incident has once again highlighted the fragility of the security situation in Balochistan, where an increase in such attacks has been observed in recent days.
