35 prisoners discharged after Kailali prison riot, others await transfer

Dhangadhi: Thirty-five prisoners injured in the recent violent clash at Kailali Prison have been discharged from Seti Provincial Hospital after receiving treatment.

Information Officer of Seti Provincial Hospital, Kishore Prasad Shrestha, said most of the injured inmates have recovered and are ready to leave the hospital. “Almost all the prisoners have recovered. Some are being discharged gradually,” he said.

A total of 48 prisoners were admitted to the hospital following the clash last Friday night. Among them, inmate Bharat Chaudhary of Dhangadhi died, while three others remain in serious condition. Of the 44 referred for treatment, 35 have been discharged, while nine are still undergoing care. One prisoner underwent surgery for a bone fracture, and four others remain hospitalized.

Authorities have stated that the discharged inmates cannot immediately be sent back to Kailali Prison due to security concerns. Rajkumar Singh, spokesperson of the District Police Office, said those still admitted are being guarded under strict security arrangements at the hospital.

Meanwhile, discussions are underway to transfer the discharged and recovering inmates to other prisons. Three prisoners have already been relocated to Kanchanpur Prison, and preparations are being made for further transfers, according to Shivraj Joshi, Information Officer at the District Administration Office. “Relatives of the discharged inmates are also requesting their transfer elsewhere,” Joshi added.

Following the incident, a five-member investigation committee has been formed under the coordination of Assistant Chief District Officer Kiran Joshi. The committee is currently conducting its inquiry into the violent clash.

Jail officials, including Jailor Basant Khatri and Chief District Officer Gogan Bahadur Hamal, have expressed concern over the incident. The administration, led by Krishna Prasad Lamsal, has pledged to take necessary measures to ensure prison security and prevent further unrest.