17 Prisoners Escape from Tamil Nadu Jail After Attacking Police Officer, 4 Arrested

In a major security breach, 17 prisoners allegedly escaped from the Theni Sub-Jail in Tamil Nadu late on Monday night, October 26, after attacking a police personnel. Police have arrested four of the escaped prisoners so far, while a search operation is underway to trace the remaining 13.

Authorities have formed 17 special police teams to apprehend the fugitives. Meanwhile, nine jail staff members have been suspended for alleged negligence in connection with the incident.

South Zone Inspector General of Police Vijayendra Bidari said one of the escaped prisoners was arrested during the search operation. Security personnel are conducting checks at various locations to track down the remaining fugitives.

Dindigul Superintendent of Police S. Jayakumar said 16 checkpoints had been established at different locations in the neighbouring Dindigul district as a precautionary measure.

Prisoners Attack Police Officer and Escape

According to police, all 17 prisoners were lodged in the same cell at the Theni Sub-Jail.

Reports suggest that a jail staff member entered the cell after being informed that one of the prisoners was unwell. During this time, the prisoners allegedly attacked the staff member and escaped from the facility.

Grade-II police officer Thangapandi, who was deployed at the jail, sustained a head injury in the attack. He was admitted to the government hospital in Vilakku for treatment. Two other jail personnel also reportedly suffered minor injuries.

The circumstances surrounding the escape are being investigated.

16 Checkpoints Set Up in Neighbouring District

Following the incident, police in neighbouring districts, including Dindigul, Madurai and Idukki, were alerted and placed on high alert.

Photographs of the escaped prisoners have been shared with police teams to help identify and apprehend them. Authorities are conducting searches across multiple locations, while additional checks are being carried out to prevent the fugitives from crossing district boundaries.

The police investigation is ongoing, and efforts are being intensified to arrest all the escaped prisoners.

Police have urged heightened vigilance as the search operation continues across the region.