Seventeen prisoners escaped from the Theni district jail late at night, triggering a large-scale manhunt across the district. Police said one of the escapees later surrendered, while 13 have been brought back into custody so far.
The jail, located near Thekkampatti in Andipatti taluk, has four blocks. Officials said the incident began when Special Sub-Inspector Madanmohan opened Block 3 after receiving information that an inmate had suffered a seizure.
According to police, a group of inmates allegedly attacked the Special Sub-Inspector and forced their way out. They also reportedly assaulted another policeman, Thangapandi, who was on security duty near the gate, before fleeing the premises.
Both injured personnel were admitted to the Government Medical College Hospital. Police tightened security within a 10-km radius of the prison, intensified patrols across the district, and launched a search operation.
Inspector General Vijayendra Bithari, who inspected the jail, said 17 special teams were formed to trace the escapees. Officials said drone-based searches helped locate eight inmates who were staying in a forest area, while efforts continue to nab the remaining four.
