17 inmates flee Theni sub-jail, 1 held

Chennai: Seventeen inmates escaped from the Theni sub-jail in Tamil Nadu late Monday, October 26, night after allegedly assaulting police personnel, and one of them has since been arrested, police said. Authorities have formed 17 special teams to trace the remaining 16.

A police official, quoted by ANI, said one escaped prisoner was arrested “during combing operations.” Security personnel have reportedly stepped up vehicle inspections across the region.

Dindigul Superintendent of Police S. Jeyakumar told ANI that check posts have been set up at 16 locations in the neighbouring district as a precaution.

According to police, all 17 accused were held in the same cell. They allegedly attacked prison personnel who entered the cell after receiving information that one of the inmates was unwell. The inmates then fled the jail.

Grade II police personnel Thangapandi, attached to the Theni district jail, suffered a head injury and was admitted to the Government Hospital at G. Vilakku. Two other jail police personnel sustained minor injuries, according to the police report.

After the escape, police in neighbouring districts were put on high alert. Details of the incident were shared with police in Idukki, Madurai and Dindigul, and photographs of the escaped accused were circulated among officers to help identify them.

A case has been registered and an investigation is underway. Police are continuing efforts to trace and apprehend the remaining inmates.

(With inputs from ANI)