RAWALPINDI: At least 14 under-trial prisoners escaped from a police transit van near Sihala on Monday after allegedly throwing chilli powder into the eyes of police personnel during their transfer back to Adiala Jail.

According to the Rawalpindi police spokesperson, the prisoners were being transported from a court in Kahuta when a fight broke out inside the vehicle.

Police said the van was stopped at the Chakiya security check post after the altercation. As officers opened the doors to investigate, one of the prisoners allegedly threw chilli powder into the eyes of the police personnel, allowing 14 inmates to escape.

The spokesperson said four of the escaped prisoners have since been re-arrested, while search operations are continuing to apprehend the remaining 10 fugitives.

Police have launched a large-scale manhunt in the surrounding area and placed Kahuta on high alert by sealing entry and exit points and establishing checkpoints along Kahuta Road to inspect vehicles.

Residents have also been urged to report any suspicious individuals to the police.

The Rawalpindi police said they are coordinating with Islamabad Police as part of the ongoing operation due to the location of the incident.

Rawalpindi City Police Officer Syed Khalid Hamdani has directed senior officers to personally supervise the search operation.

Police have also initiated a formal inquiry to determine how the prisoners managed to escape and to investigate the security lapse.