THENI, TAMIL NADU: A major security incident unfolded at Thekkampatti sub-jail in Tamil Nadu's Theni district late on Monday, October 26, after 17 inmates allegedly attacked prison personnel and escaped from custody by exploiting a reported medical emergency.
According to police reports, the inmates claimed that one of the prisoners was experiencing a seizure. When prison personnel entered their cell to provide assistance, the inmates allegedly assaulted the staff and fled the facility.
The incident prompted an extensive search operation involving police teams across neighbouring districts. By Tuesday morning, four of the 17 escapees had reportedly been recaptured, while the search for the remaining 13 continued.
Medical Emergency Allegedly Used to Distract Guards
Police said all 17 inmates were lodged in the same cell when prison personnel received information that one of them was unwell. The guards entered the cell to check on the prisoner, but the situation reportedly turned violent.
According to Tamil Nadu Law Minister Nirmal Kumar, the inmates allegedly staged the medical emergency to draw the guards inside before attacking them.
The incident raises questions about security arrangements at the facility and the circumstances that allowed so many inmates to escape simultaneously. Authorities are investigating the sequence of events and the alleged assault on prison personnel.
Three Prison Personnel Injured
The assault left three prison personnel injured, according to reports.
Thangapandi, a Grade II police personnel attached to the Theni district jail, sustained a head injury during the incident. He was taken to a government hospital at G Vilakku for treatment.
Two other prison personnel reportedly suffered minor injuries.
Authorities have registered a case in connection with the escape and assault. Further investigation is underway to establish the precise circumstances of the incident and determine whether any security lapses contributed to the escape.
Police Launch Large-Scale Search Operation
Following the jailbreak, police intensified surveillance and vehicle checks across the region to prevent the escapees from travelling to other districts.
Dindigul Superintendent of Police S. Jeyakumar confirmed that checkpoints had been established at 16 locations in neighbouring Dindigul district as part of the search operation.
Police teams in Theni, Dindigul and Madurai were alerted, while authorities in Idukki district were also informed because of the possibility that escapees could move towards neighbouring areas.
Photographs of the escaped inmates were circulated among police personnel to assist with identification. Authorities also intensified checks at key locations as the search continued.
Seventeen Special Teams Formed
Police formed 17 special teams to trace and apprehend the escapees. Senior officers visited the jail and reviewed the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Inspector General of Police for the South Zone Vijayendra Bidari confirmed that an escaped inmate had been arrested during combing operations. Subsequent reports said four of the 17 escapees had been recaptured, leaving 13 still at large at the time of reporting.
The number of arrests is time-sensitive and may change as the investigation progresses.
Investigation Continues
The incident has drawn attention to prison security and the procedures followed when inmates report medical emergencies. Investigators are examining how the alleged deception and assault unfolded and how the inmates managed to leave the facility.
Authorities are continuing efforts to locate the remaining escapees and return them to custody. Police have also urged their personnel to remain alert while conducting checks across the affected districts.
The case remains under investigation, and further details are expected as officials establish the full sequence of events.