Mass jailbreak in Tamil Nadu: 17 inmates escape from Theni sub‑jail; 4 arrested, 13 still being sought.

27 OCTOBER: Tamil Nadu: 17 prisoners escape from the sub‑jail in Theni district, causing uproar in police and jail administration.

It is reported that the prisoners staged a claim that a fellow inmate was unwell, summoned jail staff into the cell, and attacked them. Following this, all 17 prisoners fled from the jail.

Following the incident, the police have formed 17 special teams to capture the escaped prisoners. During a night‑long search operation, the police arrested 4 prisoners, while 13 remain outside police custody.

The police are using drones to search for the escaped prisoners. Continuous search campaigns are being conducted in hilly and forested areas. Meanwhile, in Dindigul district, 16 checkpoints have been set up, and thorough checks of vehicles on the highway, bus stand, and those coming and going are being conducted.

The police administration is making every possible effort to quickly apprehend the escaped prisoners. After this incident, questions have also arisen about the jail’s security arrangements. Currently, a search operation is underway to locate the 13 escaped prisoners.