Multi-district manhunt underway after 17 inmates escape Theni sub-jail; 4 recaptured

Theni: A massive multi-district combing operation is currently underway across southern India following a violent, coordinated prison break from the Theni sub-jail late Monday night, where 17 undertrial inmates overpowered guards and fled the premises. Police have already recaptured four of the fugitives.

In the wake of the major security breach, Inspector General of Police (South Zone) Vijayendra Bidari announced the deployment of 17 specialised tracking teams to trace the remaining escapees.

"Four of the 17 undertrial prisoners who escaped from the Theni sub-jail have been arrested during combing operations," IGP Bidari confirmed on Tuesday.

The incident occurred when jail staff opened a shared cell door in response to a distress call reporting an unwell prisoner. The 17 inmates inside immediately launched a sudden assault on the personnel before escaping into the night.

Three prison staff members were injured during the clash. Grade II Police Constable Thangapandi sustained severe head injuries and was rushed to the Government Hospital at G Vilakku, while two other officers received treatment for minor injuries.

Law enforcement agencies have blanketed transit routes and stepped up security across neighbouring districts to prevent the 13 remaining fugitives from crossing regional borders. Dindigul Superintendent of Police S Jeyakumar confirmed that 16 strategic check posts have been set up across Dindigul district for rigorous vehicle inspections.

Mugshots and identification profiles of the missing undertrials have been shared with police units in Madurai, Dindigul, and the border district of Idukki in Kerala. A formal case has been registered, and a high-level inquiry is investigating the security lapse as round-the-clock search operations continue. (ANI)