Fifteen prisoners escaped from the Theni district jail in a late-night incident, prompting a large-scale search operation by police.
The jail, located near Thekkampatti in Andipatti taluk, has four blocks. Police said the incident began when information was received that an inmate in Block 3 had suffered a seizure.
When Special Sub-Inspector Madanmohan opened the block, inmates allegedly attacked him and forced their way out. Another policeman, Thangapandi, who was on security duty near the gate, was also attacked with weapons, after which the prisoners fled the premises.
Both Madanmohan and Thangapandi were admitted to the Government Medical College Hospital with injuries. Police have brought areas within a 10-km radius under control, intensified patrols across the district, and are conducting searches in hilly regions as well.
