Fourteen prisoners escaped from a police van in Kahuta on Monday after one of the inmates allegedly threw chilli powder into the eyes of police personnel during a security check, officials said.

According to police, the prisoners were being transported back to Adiala Jail after appearing before a court when the prison van was stopped for routine checking.

As officers opened the vehicle’s door, one of the prisoners allegedly hurled chilli powder into the eyes of the escorting personnel, creating confusion that allowed 14 inmates to flee.

Police immediately launched a large-scale search operation and managed to recapture four of the escaped prisoners.

Efforts are continuing to trace the remaining 10 fugitives.

Police said all entry and exit points of Kahuta have been sealed, while search operations are underway in surrounding areas to locate and arrest the escapees.

Authorities have not yet disclosed the identities of the prisoners or the cases in which they were being held.

Further investigation into the security breach is underway.