SHEIKHUPURA, June 11: A prisoner involved in more than 15 cases managed to escape from the district jail on Sunday. Reports said sweepers — Latif Masih and Amir Masih wrapped Ibrahim alias Hama in blankets, put the bundle on a hand carter and took him outside the jail.

Jail superintendent Malik Ziauddin have got registered an FIR against eight staffers, including assistant superintendent Muhammad Aslam, SG ward Ghulam Rasool, barrack in-charge Muhammad Ashraf, searching in-charge Riaz Virk Hassanwali Shah, chief checker Riaz Ahmed and sweepers Latif and Amir. B-Division police are investigating.

Gastro toll: At least 22 people died here reportedly of gastroenteritis during the last 40 days since May 1 according to the district headquarters hospital’s record.

The record shows that total 2000 patients suffering from the ailment were brought to the hospital during the period, out which 22, including infants, children and adults died, while more than 60 were under treatment.

Sources said that on Saturday more than 160 gastro patients visited the DHQ hospital, while 50 to 60 suffering from the disease were being admitted to the facility daily.

They said that during the month of May more than 17 people, mostly children, died due to the disease. Child specialist Dr Israr Ahmed said the most probable cause of the disease spread was consumption of contaminated water.

The DHQ hospital Medical Superintendent Dr Muhammad Azhar Hayat said people should take precautionary measures to avoid disease contact, while the children suffering from it should be administered ORS.