Tension erupts at Siraha jail
The situation escalated after a special police operation uncovered a firearm and cash inside the jail.
KATHMANDU: Tension continues to simmer at Siraha prison following the arrest of a senior inmate, sparking unrest among prisoners that has yet to fully subside.
The situation escalated after a special police operation uncovered a firearm and cash inside the jail.
On Monday morning, based on a tip-off, prison authorities and police conducted a special operation in the cell of senior inmate Indrajit Yadav.
Officials recovered a pistol, two bullets, and Rs 120,000 in cash. Yadav, along with 13 other inmates, was immediately taken into police custody at the district headquarters.
Following Yadav’s removal, other prisoners grew agitated, demanding his return. Throughout Monday and into the night, inmates climbed the prison rooftops, raising slogans and creating unrest within the facility.
Around 9 PM, police deployed water cannons to restore order, but some inmates retaliated by operating internal water pumps to spray police personnel, heightening tensions briefly.
DSP Ramesh Bahadur Pal, spokesperson for Siraha Police, confirmed that the protests continued into Tuesday morning. “The situation is not yet fully under control. Inmates are still on the rooftops, shouting and causing unrest. The Security Committee is convening to determine the next steps,” he said.
Currently, over 150 security personnel have been deployed to maintain both internal and external security of the prison.
According to Chief District Officer Surendra Paudel, the operation was launched following reports of illegal liquor and narcotics trade, mobile phone usage, and extortion inside the facility.
During the search, officials also seized a significant quantity of cigarettes, tobacco, and other prohibited items.
The 13 inmates in custody are serving sentences for serious offenses including murder, robbery, kidnapping, and drug-related crimes, and are now under heightened security.
The 150-capacity prison currently houses 436 inmates, nearly three times its intended capacity, highlighting ongoing challenges in managing security and order.
