Malir jailbreak escapee dies by suicide; emotional video surfaces

Suicide raises questions about the psychological condition of the escapees

KARACHI:

A 25-year-old inmate who recently escaped during the mass jailbreak at District Jail Malir has died by suicide in Madni Colony, Mauripur. Police say the deceased, identified as Raza, a resident of Ranchor Line, was found hanging inside his sister's home.

Police were alerted after the body was found, and the deceased was shifted to Civil Hospital for medico-legal formalities. According to PS Mauripur SHO Sardar Ali Abbasi, Raza had been visiting his sister's home at the time of the incident. He is believed to have taken his own life while alone in the house.

Raza had been incarcerated at Malir Jail in connection with a narcotics case registered at Eidgah police station on March 30, 2022. He was among over 200 prisoners who fled during the jailbreak that occurred between Tuesday and Wednesday night, triggering a sweeping manhunt and ongoing investigation by police.

So far, 126 escapees have either been re-arrested or returned voluntarily. However, at least 90 inmates remain at large, with police conducting a large-scale search operation to trace them.

Meanwhile, a video statement recorded by Raza shortly before his death has surfaced, indicating the psychological distress experienced by some of the escapees. In the emotional footage, Raza claims he was innocent as he describes the chaotic circumstances under which the escape took place. Raza's suicide has raised serious questions about the psychological condition of the escapees and the management of the prison system.