Nepal jailbreak: Nearly 200 prisoners recaptured after mass escape

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
11 Sep 2025 15:46

The Nepali Army has recaptured nearly 200 of 13,500 inmates following their escape from prison amid nationwide violent unrest, with India’s border force also detaining dozens trying to flee across the frontier.

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Policemen arrest a prisoner who escaped from Dilli Bazaar jail in Kathmandu, Nepal, Wednesday, September 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha)

The Nepali Army announced on Thursday that it has recaptured nearly 200 fugitives after a mass jailbreak during violent protests in Nepal that toppled the government.

Despite this progress, thousands remain on the run, highlighting the scale of the crisis.

Police said around 13,500 detainees escaped from prisons nationwide during the unrest, forcing security forces into a race to regain control. The turmoil marks some of the most violent demonstrations in the country in decades.

In a statement, the Nepali Army said it had captured 192 prisoners who had fled from a facility in Rajbiraj, a city in southeastern Nepal.

At another prison in Ramechhap, east of Kathmandu, violence broke out between inmates and guards. The army reported that it opened fire, injuring 12 prisoners and killing two.

The army also confirmed the recovery of nearly 100 weapons looted during the uprising, some of which protesters had brandished while clashing with authorities.

Fugitives attempting to cross Indian border

India’s border force reported detaining dozens of escapees who tried to cross into Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal. Officials said at least 60 fugitives were caught and handed back to Nepali authorities.

“We have detained and handed over at least 60 prisoners who escaped from multiple Nepali prisons,” an Indian border force official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The Nepal jailbreak added to the chaos of nationwide unrest, where protesters set fire to parliament, government and presidential offices, commercial buildings, and even a Hilton Hotel.

At least 19 protesters were killed during the crackdown, further deepening instability in a country already reeling from one of the worst political crises in decades.