Sindh Home Minister: Malir Jail Inmates Escaped Through Gate, Not Broken Wall; Over 50 Still at Large
Karachi:Sindh Home Minister Zia Lanjar** has clarified that **no walls were breached** during the recent escape of inmates from **Karachi’s Malir Jail**, stating that the prisoners **fled through the main gate** amid the chaos caused by Monday night’s earthquake.
In an interview with **Geo News**, the minister dismissed earlier reports suggesting that the **jail walls had cracked**, saying:
> “Initial reports suggested wall damage, but that’s incorrect. Inmates used the gate during the disorder. Final conclusions will only be made after the complete report is submitted.”
### **Escape Triggered by Panic After Earthquake Tremors**
According to jail officials, the unrest began after **tremors struck the city**, causing fear and confusion. **Cracks reportedly appeared in barrack walls**, prompting authorities to move inmates outside for safety. In the commotion, **100+ prisoners** attempted to flee.
Some reports still suggest that **a few inmates may have broken through weakened sections** of the structure, though this remains unconfirmed.
### **Over 30 Re-Arrested, Dozens Still Missing**
As of Tuesday morning, **30 to 35 escapees have been rearrested**, while **over 50 inmates are still at large**. Police operations are underway to track them down.
### **Injuries and Security Response**
During the chaos, **3 Frontier Corps (FC) personnel and 1 jail police officer** were injured. **Police, Rangers, and FC forces** have since taken control of the prison, and a **search operation** is ongoing.
### **Minister’s Statement on Criminal Backgrounds**
Minister Zia Lanjar claimed that the **escaped inmates were not involved in serious crimes**, and that the **incident may have resulted from administrative lapses**.
> “There may have been negligence. Determining the cause of the incident will take some time,” he added.
Authorities have assured that all **remaining escapees will be recaptured soon**, and a formal **investigation into the incident is underway**.
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