DSP injured in riots inside Gujrat prison.

GUJRAT -- The district prison descended into anarchy on Monday after a scuffle between police and inmates turned into a full-blown riot, which saw a senior police officer injured and barracks set on fire.

Gunshots were also heard from inside the prison while inmates also pelted guards with stones.

According to Gujrat District Police Officer Ghazanfar Shah, the riots erupted after an exchange of harsh words between prisoners and jail officials at around 5pm.

As the police attempted to negotiate with the prisoners, they started pelting stones, injuring Gujrat City Circle DSP Parvez Gondal and other officers.

The injured officers were moved to Aziz Bhatti Shaheed Teaching Hospital where they are under treatment. DSP Gondal has been discharged after receiving first aid.

The police also resorted to aerial firing to disperse the rioters but failed to rein them in, according to sources.

However, DPO Shah told Dawn that the situation was under control.

A spokesman for Gujrat Police said rioters stopped pelting stones after the negotiations, which were still underway till the filing of this report.

He said the exact reason for the incitement could only be determined after a detail detailed investigation.

Videos posted on social media purportedly of the prison showed flames eruApting from a building...