Several inmates who escaped from Gaur Prison during the Gen Z movement remain at large, with authorities expressing concern that those convicted of serious crimes are unlikely to return.

Chief district officer Binod Kumar Khadka said most prisoners serving time for minor offences have come back, but those convicted of grave crimes—including murder, arms possession, robbery, narcotics offences, fraud, abduction and rape—are still on the run. “We do not believe they will return on their own. They will have to be tracked down and brought back,” he said.

On 9 September, amid widespread protests that turned violent, 291 inmates broke out of Gaur Prison. Only 27 stayed behind, while others forced open the gates to flee. Among them, 17 inmates were later caught by India’s Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) and handed back to Nepali authorities.

Prison chief Manish Jha said 156 inmates remain at large, including 12 Indian nationals believed to have already crossed the border. “Five Indian prisoners have been re-arrested with SSB’s help, but 12 are still missing,” he confirmed.

So far, 91 escapees have been recaptured from different parts of the district. Authorities have set 20 October as the deadline for fugitives to return voluntarily, warning of legal consequences for those who fail to comply.

Police have also cautioned that anyone found sheltering or aiding the escapees will face action.

Superintendent of Police Netra Mani Giri, chief of district police said security has been tightened along border areas to prevent further cross-border movement. “We are focusing on the border, but we are also alert during the festive season, as some may try to return home,” he added.

Similar incidents occurred in other Madhesh Province prisons during the protests. In Mahottari, 39 Indian inmates escaped from Jaleshwar Prison, with only four recaptured so far. In Saptari, five Indian prisoners fled, of whom two have been arrested and three remain missing.