Pakistani authorities have intensified their investigation into the escape of 14 undertrial prisoners from a prison van after their appearance at Kahuta Court, arresting five officials, including the guard in-charge of Adiala Central Jail, while broadening inquiries into possible security failures, officials said on Tuesday.
The five arrested officials were on duty when the prisoners escaped. Investigators have begun analysing their mobile phone data and call records as part of efforts to determine whether negligence or collusion contributed to the breach.
Police sources said there has been no breakthrough in locating the escaped prisoners, as search operations continue at multiple locations.
Investigators are examining whether standard operating procedures for transporting and producing high-risk inmates before the court were properly followed. The inquiry is also focusing on whether the prisoners were re-handcuffed after meeting visitors during court proceedings.
Authorities are further reviewing several aspects of the security arrangements, including the number of prisoners placed in handcuffs, the meetings held between the undertrial prisoners and visitors at Kahuta Court, the strength of the armed escort assigned to the prison van, and how security responsibilities were distributed among the personnel.
Police officials who escorted the inmates, including officers carrying government-issued weapons, are also being questioned as part of the ongoing investigation, according to police sources.
Following the incident, Punjab Inspector General of Police Rao Abdul Karim ordered immediate disciplinary action against officials found responsible for the security lapse.
As part of the initial action, 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 provincial police chief has also sought a detailed report on the incident from Rawalpindi Regional Police Officer Babar Sarfraz as investigators continue the inquiry and efforts to recapture the escaped prisoners.