Seventeen inmates escaped from Theni sub-jail of Tamil Nadu, and police arrested one during combing operations. The breakout prompted intensified vehicle checks and 17 special teams to trace the others.Seventeen inmates escape from Tamil Nadu's Theni sub-jail, police intensify search. ( Photo- ANI)Seventeen inmates lodged at Tamil Nadu's Theni sub-jail escaped late Monday night after assaulting jail personnel, triggering a massive manhunt across neighbouring districts.
One of the escaped inmates has been arrested, while 17 special teams have been formed to trace and apprehend the prisoners.Inspector General of Police (IGP), South Zone, Vijayendra Bidari, confirmed that one of the escaped inmates was arrested during combing operations. "One escaped prisoner has been arrested by police during combing operations," he said, according to ANI.Following the escape, security teams intensified vehicle checks, while police set up checkpoints at 16 locations in neighbouring Dindigul district as a precautionary measure. Dindigul Superintendent of Police S Jeyakumar confirmed the deployment to ANI.#WATCH | Tamil Nadu | Security teams conduct intensive vehicle checking following the incident where 17 inmates have escaped from the Theni sub-jail.
17 special teams have been formed to track down and apprehend the escaped prisoners. One escaped prisoner has been arrested by police during combing operations: Inspector General of Police (IGP), South Zone, Vijayendra Bidari— ANI (@ANI) October 26, 2026According to police, all 17 accused were lodged 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 managed to escape from the jail.
Gr. II Police personnel Thangapandi, attached to the Theni district jail, sustained a head injury during the incident and was admitted to the Government Hospital at G Vilakku.
Two other jail police personnel also suffered minor injuries, according to the police report.Police in neighbouring districts have been alerted and placed on high alert. Information about the escape has been shared with authorities in Idukki, Madurai and Dindigul districts.
Photographs of the escaped inmates have also been circulated among police officials to help identify and apprehend them. A case has been registered, and further investigation is underway.
Police teams are continuing combing operations to track down the remaining escapees.- Ends