Theni jailbreak: four caught as search continues for 13 inmates

The Theni jailbreak on Monday night prompted a large search after 17 remand prisoners allegedly attacked staff and fled Thekkampatti sub-jail near Andipatti in Tamil Nadu. Police said four had been recaptured by Tuesday, October 27, while operations continued to find the other 13.

Preliminary inquiries indicated that inmates called for help at about 10.30 pm, saying someone in their cell was having a seizure. A warder entered after opening the cell and was allegedly assaulted before the group escaped.

Inspector General of Police for the South Zone Vijayendra Bidari visited the prison and reviewed the response with district officers. He said 17 dedicated teams had been established to locate the fugitives.

Forest searches and checks across district borders

Police identified those recaptured as Praveen Kumar, Silambarasan, Raja Sikandar and Rajkumar. The first two were from Theni district and the latter two from Madurai district, according to officials.

The Theni jailbreak response includes drones, forest searches and vehicle inspections. Officers have shared photographs of the missing prisoners with colleagues at locations across Tamil Nadu and neighbouring Keralam.

Searches were also being conducted along the Western Ghats and in Idukki district. Keralam police were alerted, while additional personnel were deployed at check-posts near the prison and elsewhere.

The escaped inmates had been held in different criminal cases and came from several districts. Officials listed areas including Chengalpattu, Salem, Kanniyakumari, Sivaganga, Madurai and Theni.

Police said injured warder Thangapandi, a Grade II constable, was admitted to Theni Government Medical College and Hospital. Two other people were also receiving treatment, according to a senior officer.

Kandamanur police registered a case over the escape. Senior officials said an inquiry would examine the sequence of events and possible security failures as efforts to recapture the remaining prisoners continued.

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