52 break out of Batam prison

BATAM. Riau: At least 52 inmates broke out of an overcrowded prison on the industrial island of Batam, Riau province, early on Sunday, officials said.

However, police managed to capture 16 of the escapees. Four of them were shot while trying to resist arrest.

Riau Police chief Brig. Gen. Deddy S. Komaruddin said the 52 prisoners, all charged in drug dealing cases, had escaped from Block B1 and B3.

The inmates had sawed through the iron bars in their cells and attacked six on-duty guards, he added.

"Four of the 16 recaptured prisoners were shot because they attempted to resist arrest. We were forced to take such firm action," Deddy said.

He expressed concern over conditions in the prison that accommodates at least 509 prisoners. It is only built to accommodate 220 at the maximum, he said. --Antara