Prisoner escapes from Quetta hospital, five officials suspended

A prisoner receiving medical treatment at a hospital in Quetta managed to escape custody, prompting authorities to suspend five officials over alleged negligence, police said on Tuesday.

According to police, the escaped prisoner, identified as Taj Muhammad, had been shifted to Bolan Medical Complex Hospital from Loralai Jail for medical treatment. The accused had been arrested in connection with a murder case.

Following the incident, five officials, including security in-charge Sub-Inspector Manzoor Ahmed, were suspended for negligence in the performance of their duties.

Authorities said the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Loralai has constituted an inquiry team headed by a Superintendent of Police (SP) to investigate the escape.

Police have registered a case against the suspended officials at Barori Police Station. A separate case has also been lodged against the escaped prisoner, while a search operation is underway to apprehend him.

Reporter: Essa Tareen