Nepal, Sept. 16 -- In Sudurpaschim Province, 608 inmates who had escaped during the recent Gen Z protests have either surrendered or been brought back by security forces, authorities confirmed on Monday.

According to Senior Superintendent of Police Prakash Ranabhat at the Sudurpaschim Provincial Police Office, a total of 1,458 prisoners had fled from jails in seven districts-excluding Bajura and Achham-when protests turned violent last week. "Some returned voluntarily, while others were apprehended by police teams," Ranabhat said, adding that 850 prisoners are still at large.

District prison offices have issued public notices urging the remaining escapees to contact authorities and return immediately. Meanwhile, special police squads ha...