KAPILBASTU:Samyukta Janatantrik Tarai Mukti Morcha (SJTMM) has said the inmates, who had been absconding after digging a tunnel in Kapilvastu prison, have come in its contact.

Central member of SJTMM, Birat called from an unidentified location to inform that the outfit had directed the prisoners to dig a tunnel for escape. “Their success to set themselves free has pushed our revolution to a new height,” he added, refusing to divulge further details.

The prisoners’ team, led by Shrawan Kumar Maurya alias Shiva, a commander of the outfit, had dug the tunnel, Birat claimed, adding that only three of the eight prisoners were affiliated with the Morcha. “The remaining five have also promised to work with us,” Birat said. Rapti bureau in-charge of the outfit, Bista agreed that the jail incident had taken place as per their instruction. Issuing a statement, he confirmed that the prisoners were with them.

Meanwhile, Kapilvastu SP Sharad Chanda said the police had been informed that two of the inmates were at an unidentified location in the district while six others were in Morcha’s contact. “We are looking into the matter,” he said.

Last Friday night, eight of the 11 prisoners staying in Room No 7 of the prison had fled. The absconders are Ram Prasad Maurya, Prabhu Teli, Shrawan Kumar Murau, Santosh Kanhar, Santa Kumar Pasi, Kedar Sahani, Skul Ansari and Bagedu Musalman.