Amid Nepal’s fiery Gen-Z-led protests against corruption and a social media ban, hundreds of inmates have broken out of jails across the country. Reports suggest that more than 1,500 prisoners have escaped from at least seven prisons, with officials warning that the actual number could be much higher.

The jailbreaks come even as the army on Wednesday, September 10, announced prohibitory orders and extended the nationwide curfew to control the unrest.

According to WION’s Nepal correspondent, Saloni Murarka, prisoners escaped from Rautahat’s Gaur Jail, Bajhang Jail, Jaleswar Jail, Jumla Jail, Tulsipur Jail, Kailali Prison, and Central Jail in Kathmandu.

At Jaleswar Jail, reports say 576 of 577 inmates fled, though other outlets claim the number could be closer to 900. In Rautahat’s Gaur Jail, nearly all inmates are believed to have escaped.

In Jumla district, 36 inmates managed to escape late on Wednesday night after allegedly attacking a prison warden with a wooden rod. Officials said 62 prisoners remain inside the jail.

In Pokhara, chaos spread when protestors stormed the jail premises, allowing 773 inmates to flee, according to Asia Media Centre, citing the Kaski District Police Office. Similarly, in Dang province, 127 inmates escaped from Tulsipur Jail during disturbances.

Reports also suggest attempts were made to break into Birgunj Jail in Kathmandu and Malangwa Jail in Sarlahi district. The army has since taken control of Birgunj Jail, while Malangwa Jail was reportedly set on fire during violent clashes between protestors and police.

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