Kathmandu: Around 540 Indian nationals serving sentences in various Nepalese prisons have absconded following the Gen Z protests, the Department of Prison Management said on Sunday.

More than 13,000 prisoners fled from jails across Nepal on September 9, the second day of anti-government demonstrations led by the Gen Z movement.

Authorities reported that at least 5,000 Nepali citizens convicted of various crimes remain absconding, along with 540 Indian nationals and 108 prisoners from other countries.

The Nepalese government has issued nationwide alerts to track the escaped inmates. The Home Ministry has also directed absconding prisoners to report to their respective detention centres.

Casualties and returns

Ten prisoners died during clashes with security forces. Meanwhile, 7,735 inmates who escaped have either returned voluntarily or been recaptured as of September 28.

Protests and violence

Thousands of youths under the Gen Z banner staged anti-government protests in Kathmandu on September 8 and 9, which left 76 people dead.