Pakistani authorities today widened their investigation into the escape of 14 undertrial prisoners from Adiala Jail following their appearance at Kahuta Court, with police examining mobile phone data and call records of detained police personnel while continuing the search for the fugitives.
According to police sources, investigators are scrutinising whether standard operating procedures for transporting and producing high-risk prisoners before the court were fully observed. They are also determining whether the escaped inmates were re-handcuffed after meeting visitors during the court proceedings.
Sources said police officials assigned to escort the prisoners in the prison van, including personnel carrying government-issued weapons, are being questioned as part of the ongoing inquiry.
Following the incident, Punjab Inspector General of Police Rao Abdul Karim took immediate notice and ordered disciplinary action against those found responsible for the security lapse.
As part of the initial measures, SP Headquarters Mudassar Iqbal was removed from his post and directed to report to Lahore, while DSP Headquarters Imtiaz Ahmad was suspended with immediate effect.
The Punjab police chief has also sought a comprehensive report on the incident from Rawalpindi Regional Police Officer Babar Sarfraz as the investigation and search operation continue.
Police sources said there has been no breakthrough so far in tracing the whereabouts of the 14 escaped prisoners.