The police on Monday apprehended the two inmates who escaped from Lungzor prison in Trashigang on the night of January 23.

They were caught at Arong in Samdrupjongkhar.

According to Trashigang police, at around 8pm the division received tipoff about two suspicious people travelling in a jumbo truck towards Narphung from Melongbrag.

Samdrupjongkhar police intercepted the truck at Arong at around 9:30pm and confirmed the individuals to be escapees.

Kuensel learnt that Nim Dorji, 29, and Dorji Gyeltshen, 25, boarded the truck from Wamrong, Trashigang. Upon reaching Narphung, the duo refused to come out for dinner after which the driver informed the police.

Although details of the escape from the prison are not known, sources say that the prisoners could have escaped using materials from the construction site inside the prison.

Nim Dorji was sentenced to eight years in prison for illicit trafficking of cannabis and Dorji Gyeltshen sentenced to seven years and five months for burglary.

They two were in the prison for about a year.

Following the escape of the duo, a massive manhunt was carried out. Strict checking along the highway was also conducted.

Along with police, residents of Yangnyer gewog were also involved in the manhunt.

Lungzor prison is located on the right bank of Drangmechu along the Trashigang-Trashiyangtse highway.

Younten Tshedup  | Trashigang