LAHORE, Feb 22: An under-trial prisoner fled from judicial police custody, while three others were captured shortly after they escaped from a prison van on GT Road near Saggian Bridge in Sheikhupura district police range on Wednesday.

Sheikhupura District Police Officer Dr Haider Ashraf told Dawn that a Lahore police prison van was returning after producing seven prisoners of Sheikhupura district jail in Ferozewala district courts when four prisoners scuffled with each other.

Sub-Inspector Arshad, the van in-charge, stopped the van and warned the prisoners. After his warning failed to calm the prisoners, he opened van's backdoor to settle the issue, allowing the quarrelling prisoners to flee.

The policemen chased the fleeing prisoners and captured three of them -- Waqas, Imran and Liaquat -- with the help of public. However, fourth prisoner Rafique fled.

Police said Rafique was arrested in connection with a case registered with Shahdara police of Lahore district under sections 324 and 427 of the PPC.

The DPO said the policemen on judicial duty had been suspended and put behind the bars for showing negligence.

House fire:Valuables were reduced to ashes in a house fire and a young man suffered burns in separate incidents in the city on Wednesday.

The blaze erupted in the house of Saqib Rafique on Sheesh Mahal Road near Data Darbar, burning down valuables worth Rs70,000.

A short circuit is thought to be the cause of fire.

In another incident a Rescue 1122 ambulance shifted Nazir Ali, 45, to Mayo Hospital with moderate burns.

An official said Nazir was earlier brought to their Thokar Niaz Beg station where his family said he had suffered burns from a stove fire. -Staff Reporter