ITANAGAR, 12 Jul: Seven undertrial prisoners (UTP) escaped from the jail in East Siang HQ Pasighat after throwing chilli and pepper powder and salt at the guards manning the jail.
Five guards of the Pasighat jail were injured in the incident which took place on Sunday evening when the jail lockup was opened for serving dinner to the prisoners.
“Seven of the prisoners suddenly attacked the guards by throwing chilli and pepper powder and salt on their eyes,” Inspector General of Police (Law & Order) Chukhu Apa said.
Five guards suffered injuries in the attack, and one of them, who was possibly hit with the heavy lock of the cell, was badly injured on the head. His mobile phone was also snatched away by the UTPs who escaped, Apa said.
“An FIR has been lodged against the seven and the police have launched a manhunt. So far, no breakthrough has been made,” Apa said.
The IGP added that personnel of the district police and the Indian Reserve Battalion are conducting search operations to capture them, and that all possible exit points are cordoned off.
Pasighat DSP Tapang Tatak said that the fugitives are likely to be rearrested soon as it is difficult for them to flee from the town because of the daily curfew from 3 pm to 5 am in view of the prevailing Covid-19 pandemic. (PTI)
