RAWALPINDI, Feb 3: Police arrested 5, including assistant superintendent of Central jail Adiala, assistant sub-inspector of police and two other jail employees, on Saturday, while they were gambling near the heavily guarded jail, said police officials.

Police are still trying to arrest a constable who managed to escape from the scene, during the police raid.

The police, acting on a tip-off raided the spot near the jail, where six persons — Jamshaid Nawaz, Basharat Masih, Ashraf Masih, Abdul Hameed Bhatti, Hafeez Ullah and Zahid Mehmood — were caught red-handed while playing cards and using cash.

One of them — Abdul Hameed Bhatti — posted as assistant superintendent at Central Jail Adiala had been a senior staff member of the jail, who was retiring in March.

Assistant sub-inspector (ASI) Hafeez ullah and constable Zahid Mehmood had been associated with Rawalpindi police and were presently posted at Police Lines Rawalpindi.

The two others, Basharat Masih and Ashraf Masih, were also employees at the jail.

Police seized Rs7,500, four cell phones, cards and registered a case against the six persons under the gambling act.

When contacted, the jail superintendent Malik Mushtaq confirmed the police raid and arrest of a senior member of jail staff in connection with gambling.

“It has been a common practice that some people gamble, after getting their salary,” said the superintendent jail.

“Unluckily, a senior assistant superintendent of our jail was also caught during the police raid,” said Malik Mushtaq, adding that he tired to stop him from gambling as his retirement was approaching but he did not listen.

The Saddar Barooni police registered a case against the six people and started investigation.