Panaji, Aug 23 (IANS): The Goa government on Tuesday ordered a probe into the escape of nine women inmates, including four from Bangladesh and one each from Uzbekistan and Nepal, from a state-run protective home near Panaji late on Monday night.

Speaking to reporters, Director (Women and Child Development) Shilpa Shinde said that three of the escaped inmates had been traced and that a probe has been ordered to establish whether the escape was planned or was executed on the spur of the moment by the inmates.

Shinde said:"The escape happened after a policeman who was scheduled for night duty reported late for work. The Superintendent of Police (North Goa) has been asked to submit a report as to whether the constable's coming late for work was a coincidence or part of a conspiracy."

The nine women, late last night overpowered a woman guard, by tying her to a chair, and then jumped over the compound wall of the facility.

After an alarm was sounded and a search initiated, three of the escapees were located and brought back, while six others are still missing.