Dhading: The Nepali Army personnel have opened fire after prisoners at the Dhading District Prison tried to escape. A prisoner, aged around 75, has died after being shot during the incident. Seven prisoners have been injured.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Chief District Officer Bijayraj Subedi stated that the army opened fire after the prisoners attempted to break through the security cordon and escape. In addition to the prisoners, seven people from the Nepal Police and Armed Police Force were also injured during the incident. The prisoners who sustained gunshot injuries have been transferred to Kathmandu for medical treatment.
The incident occurred on Tuesday when prisoners set fire to the prison, demanding their release. They cited the release of former Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane and other prisoners from Nakkhu prison in Kathmandu as a precedent. Prior to resorting to firing, the army attempted to control the situation using water cannons. However, they opened fire when the prisoners began attacking the army personnel.
Currently, there are 243 prisoners, including nine women, in the Dhading District Jail.