The recent violent protests in Nepal have severely disrupted law and order, extending their impact to the country's prisons. The social media ban and widespread anger over corruption sparked a Gen Z-led movement that engulfed the nation in chaos. In multiple districts, large groups of protesters attacked prisons. At Jaleshwar prison in Mahottari, over 500 protesters broke down jail walls in the evening, enabling 572 inmates to escape. Similarly, all 650 prisoners in Kailali jail and 124 in Tulsipur jail managed to flee, intensifying pressure on the authorities. This mass jailbreak occurred during escalating unrest, highlighting the vulnerability of prison security in Nepal.

The prison administration was overwhelmed as protesters and inmates collectively disrupted order. Police and security forces struggled to control the situation, often retreating in the face of large crowds, necessitating army intervention. Despite firing shots in the air to disperse rioters, the police failed to contain the breakout. At Solukhumbu jail, arson and vandalism led to 86 inmates escaping. Officials admitted that prisoners and protesters worked in tandem to breach walls and gates, resulting in heightened alert in neighboring districts as police sought to prevent further escapes.

Inside several prisons, inmates actively supported the demonstrators, intensifying the rebellion from within. During the chaos, prisoners not only escaped but also took belongings with them, signaling complete breakdown of prison control. The administration reported prisoners moving toward border districts, prompting tightening of security on the Nepal-Bihar border. Reports also noted similar incidents in local jails in Kaski and Pokhara, where approximately 900 inmates escaped in a single day, adding to the nationwide crisis.

The root causes behind the successful jailbreaks stem from public outrage, security lapses, and confusion among officials. Political leaders and former ministers’ supporters also participated, attacking jails to free their relatives. The ban on social media further fueled youth dissatisfaction, worsening the situation. In total, four key district jails saw 1,432 prisoners escape in one day, plunging Nepal into a severe law and order dilemma that poses continuing challenges for government and security agencies.