Murder suspect escapes from prison van
Armed men intercepted a prisoner van on the busy GT Road in the Mandra area and freed an influential murder suspect being taken back to District Jail Jhelum after a court appearance, raising serious questions over the security measures adopted by Rawalpindi police for the transportation of prisoners.
The incident is the second major prisoner escape in around one-and-a-half months, while senior police officials remained tight-lipped over the matter.
According to sources, suspect Malik Hamad, who is facing a murder case registered with Saddar Beruni police, had been imprisoned at Adiala Central Jail. A few days ago, jail officials, during a surprise inspection conducted on the instructions of Superintendent Sajid Baig, recovered a mobile phone and other prohibited items from his possession.
The suspect was subsequently shifted from Adiala Central Jail to District Jail Jhelum as part of administrative measures. He was brought to Rawalpindi on Tuesday for a court hearing and was being transported back to Jhelum in a prison van after the proceedings.
When the van slowed down near Galaxy Hotel at Bacha Stop on GT Road, a vehicle pulled alongside it. Its occupants reportedly told the prison staff that Hamad's mother was seriously ill and that they only wanted to arrange a brief meeting with him.
As the prison staff became confused, several armed men reportedly surrounded the van with their vehicles, forced Hamad out and fled from the scene.
The incident triggered a security alert, prompting senior police and jail officials to reach the spot. SP Headquarters Saad Arshad and SP Saddar, along with other officers, visited the scene, while police teams were formed to trace and arrest the escaped suspect.
The latest incident comes less than two months after 14 dangerous prisoners escaped from a prison van while returning from Kahuta in the last week of June. The prisoners were recaptured after a sustained search operation, while a case was registered against the sub-inspector and five policemen deployed for their security.
Following that incident, Rawalpindi police had issued standard operating procedures (SOPs) aimed at ensuring foolproof security during the transportation of prisoners. However, the latest escape has raised questions about the implementation of those measures.
Despite the seriousness of the incident, no senior police officer was available to provide a statement to the media.
Sources said Malik Hamad was also known for his links with an influential figure associated with a private housing society. Four policemen assigned to guard the suspect have reportedly been taken into custody for questioning.