According to Prison House Management Office, the inmates, who were serving sentences for theft, robbery and murder, escaped after digging a 21x2.5 feet tunnel through the eastern wall. [break]
The jail-breakers have been identified as Ramjais Maurya, Prabhu Teli, Shrawan Kumar Murau, Santa Kumar Pasi, Santosh Kahar, Kedar Sahani, Bagedu Musalman and Indian national School Miya Ansari. Three other inmates, who were in the same cell, however, did not flee.
The inmates had used knives, sickles, spatulas and ladles to dig the tunnel, the police said. The police have taken prison in-charge Surya Yadav and assistant police inspector Man Bahadur Thapa under control to investigate into the incident. Samyukta Janatantrik Tarai Mukti Morcha has claimed that Murau and Maurya are its cadres.
Central member of the party Birat told local journalists that Murau had led the escape. Prison guard Rishi Kumar Shrestha claimed that the tunnel was dug overnight.
Superintendent of Police Sharad Chand said search for the jail breakers is on.
Earlier, seven inmates had escaped from the jail in 2063 BS after digging a tunnel. Prison guard Laxman Shrestha was killed when inmates had tried to escape a year later. The jail, which was constructed in 1995 BS, is in a dilapidated condition.
20 police personnel suspended
Meanwhile, the government has suspended all 20 police personnel deputed to guard the jail.
Officials said the police team under the command of Sub Inspector Man Bahadur Thapa was suspended as they could not perform their duty properly.
District Police Office and District Administration Office in Kapilvastu have formed two separate probe team to investigate the incident.
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