What’s Happening with the 4552 Inmates Who Escaped During Gen-Z Protests?
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Synopsis
Nepal grapples with the aftermath of the Gen-Z protests, where over 4,500 inmates escaped. Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal shares the ongoing efforts to rearrest them and recover stolen weapons. As the election date approaches, concerns rise over potential misuse of escapees and arms.
Key Takeaways
- Over 4,500 inmates remain unaccounted for after the Gen-Z protests.
- The government is actively working to rearrest escapees.
- Concerns about election security have increased.
- 727 stolen weapons have been recovered so far.
- Efforts are underway to prevent the misuse of escapees and weapons during elections.
Kathmandu, Dec 2 (NationPress) More than 4,500 inmates who fled during the Gen-Z protests in Nepal in early September remain unaccounted for, as stated by the country’s Home Minister, Om Prakash Aryal, on Tuesday.
In the chaos of the Gen-Z protests on September 8 and 9, when the security situation was severely compromised, numerous prisons faced assaults, leading to the escape of nearly 15,000 inmates convicted of various offenses, according to reports from Nepal Police.
During a security conference in Dhangadhi, located in Sudurpaschim Province, Home Minister Aryal revealed that out of these, 4,552 escapees have yet to return to complete their sentences. He assured that efforts are ongoing to rearrest all those still at large, emphasizing that “the number of escapees convicted of serious crimes like murder is limited.”
Following the tumult of the Gen-Z protests, hundreds of firearms and substantial amounts of ammunition were reported stolen. Police revealed that over 1,200 rifles and pistols, along with approximately 100,000 rounds of ammunition, were pilfered in the ensuing lawlessness of September.
The Home Minister mentioned that 727 stolen firearms have been recovered thus far. With Nepal set to hold elections for the House of Representatives on March 5 of the coming year, there are rising concerns regarding the potential misuse of escaped inmates, weapons, and ammunition to sway the elections.
Reports indicate that some of the escapees have already resumed criminal activities.
Aryal assured that the government is committed to preventing the use of either the escaped prisoners or the stolen arms to disrupt the upcoming elections. “We are making significant progress in apprehending the escapees and recovering the stolen firearms,” he stated. “We are determined to reclaim all looted weapons and ammunition, ensuring these elements do not impact the elections.”
Point of View
500 inmates during the Gen-Z protests in Nepal poses significant challenges for the government. The Home Minister's assurances of action are crucial, but the potential impact on upcoming elections necessitates immediate and effective measures to restore public safety and confidence.
NationPress
03/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
How many inmates escaped during the Gen-Z protests?
Over 15,000 inmates escaped during the Gen-Z protests, with 4,552 still unaccounted for.
What crimes are the escapees convicted of?
The escapees are convicted of various crimes, although the Home Minister stated that the number convicted of serious crimes like murder is limited.
What actions are being taken to recapture the escapees?
The government is actively working to rearrest the escapees and recover stolen weapons.
What concerns arise with the upcoming elections?
There are concerns that escaped inmates and stolen weapons could be misused to influence the elections.
How many stolen weapons have been recovered?
So far, 727 stolen firearms have been recovered.
