Avinash Rai, 46, a convicted smuggler, shocked his family last week when he appeared at their home in Kathmandu amid anti-government protests in Nepal. Protesters had crippled the capital's security, setting fire to buildings across the city, including Nakhu Prison where Rai was serving his sentence.
"We were in a situation where we had to save ourselves. There were no police, and there was chaos and fire everywhere. Then the prison gates opened," Rai recounted his escape from Nakhu Prison.
Upon leaving the prison, Rai encountered chaotic crowds and fires raging throughout the city. "It was a truly terrible time," he recalled.
He was among the estimated 13,500 inmates who fled when the protests escalated into violence and arson, resulting in clashes that killed at least 73 people.
 |
Security personnel at Nakhu Prison, Kathmandu, Nepal, 16/9. Photo: AFP |
Security personnel at Nakhu Prison, Kathmandu, Nepal, 16/9. Photo: AFP
On 17/9, Rai returned to Nakhu Prison, walking through the charred gates to surrender to the police. Nepali security forces had restored order at the prison and were working to recapture the escaped inmates.
Nepalese police reported that over one-third of the escaped prisoners, around 5,000, have been recaptured. Many remain at large, including some notorious criminals.
Rai was sentenced to 22 months for smuggling across the India-Nepal border and had served 20 months. Those who voluntarily returned, like Rai, were typically serving short sentences or nearing the end of their terms.
Nagendra Shreshtha, the friend who accompanied Rai back to the prison, said Rai's family was stunned to see him home.
"It was crazy that these people could just walk out of jail. We advised Rai to go back," Shreshtha said.
Outside Nakhu Prison's gates, Rai wasn't the only one voluntarily returning.
Som Gopali, 40, convicted of assault and nine months away from completing a five-year sentence, hugged his wife goodbye as he returned to custody.
"I was shocked when Gopali called. I was speechless and it took me a while to understand why he was out," said his sister, Preeti Yonjan, 42, who also accompanied Gopali back to prison.
While the protests have ended, Nakhu Prison still bears the scars of the riot.
Charred walls and Gen Z protest slogans are scrawled on the entrance. Volunteers are bringing donated blankets, mattresses, and supplies into the prison.
"There are burn marks everywhere. The first night we heard about the jailbreak was tense. Everyone was on high alert," said local volunteer Savyata Bhakti, 22.
Suresh Raj Aran, 40, father of inmate Sevak, 23, said his son escaped only to get away from the violence. Sevak also voluntarily returned.
Outside the prison, families expressed hope that Nepal's interim government would show leniency and improve prison conditions.
"Things have to change, because if not now, when?" said Poornima Gopali, 29, as she waved goodbye to her brother, Som Gopali, returning to prison.
Ngoc Anh (AFP)
