Kathmandu: At least 12 to 13 inmates were injured early Thursday morning when the Nepal Army opened fire to thwart a mass escape attempt at Ramechhap District Prison. The incident comes amid a wave of unrest and prison break attempts during the current political crisis in Nepal. (Tribune India)
What happened at Ramechhap prison
According to official sources cited by The Kathmandu Post, prisoners at Ramechhap District Prison broke through several internal locks and moved toward the main gate in an attempt to escape. Security forces, including members of the Nepali Army, intervened when the inmates reached the gate and opened fire to stop them. (Tribune India)
Chief District Officer Shyam Krishna Thapa confirmed that 12 to 13 inmates were wounded in the shooting. The prison houses more than 300 inmates. Authorities say the situation has since been subdued and is now under control. (Tribune India)
Broader unrest in Nepal’s prisons
This incident is one among several prison break attempts reported across Nepal in recent days amid nationwide protests. Reports indicate cages of unrest in multiple detention facilities as inmates tried to escape during violent protests, social media bans, and general law-and-order breakdowns. (www.ndtv.com)
For example, in Dhading District Prison, Army personnel opened fire after inmates attempted to break through a security cordon, resulting in one death and seven injuries. (Rising Nepal)
Security response and control
After the shooting, authorities confirmed that all inmates involved in the Ramechhap attempt were brought under control. Enhanced security measures have been put in place at the facility. The Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, and the Nepali Army have reportedly been deployed in several prisons to manage further incidents. (Tribune India)
In many jails across the country, the unrest has led to chaos, including large scale escapes and violent episodes, which authorities are working to stabilize. (Hindustan Times)
Impact and concerns
The shooting at Ramechhap has raised serious concerns about human rights and the use of force by security agencies in detention settings. Injured inmates are now being treated, but calls from civil society and observers are increasing for investigations into the proportionality of force used, and whether warnings or non-lethal measures were exhausted prior to firing.
Moreover, the prison break attempts reveal weaknesses in security infrastructure and oversight, especially during times of political upheaval. Overcrowding, lack of staff, and coordination lapses are being cited by analysts as contributing factors.
Conclusion
The incident at Ramechhap illustrates how a spiralling national crisis can exacerbate vulnerabilities in the prison system. While authorities managed to regain control, the event underscores urgent need for reforms in prison security and greater oversight of how force is used. As Nepal navigates its political turbulence, preventing such incidents will require better preparedness, transparency, and respect for the rights of inmates