Theni jailbreak: One escapee returns voluntarily as Idukki steps up vigilance at four points

THENI: Four of the 17 undertrial prisoners who escaped from the Thekkampatti district jail near Andipatti in Tamil Nadu's Theni district have been recaptured, while a search is underway for the remaining 13. The four prisoners taken back into custody were identified as Praveen, Silambarasan, Raja Sikandar and Raj Kumar. Praveen surrendered before prison officials, while the other three were apprehended during search operations.

The escapees allegedly snatched a gold chain from a prison guard while fleeing the jail. The prisoners attacked four guards before escaping through the main gate. Other reports said three prison personnel were injured, including Grade II Police Constable Thangapandi, who sustained serious head injuries. Two other personnel suffered minor injuries.

Nine prison staff members were reported suspended in connection with the security lapse. Inspector General of Police (South Zone) Vijayendra Bidari inspected the jail, and 17 special police teams were formed to track down the remaining escapees. Police have intensified search operations and vehicle checks across neighbouring districts.

Kerala Police have also been alerted to the possibility that the fugitives could enter Idukki district. Checks have been intensified along key routes connecting Tamil Nadu and Kerala, including the Kumily, Kambammettu and Bodimettu border routes. Police are also conducting searches in forested areas and near railway tracks.

The escape took place late on Monday night, October 26. According to preliminary reports, the prisoners raised an alarm, claiming that one of them was suffering an epileptic seizure and needed assistance. When prison personnel opened the cell, the inmates allegedly attacked them and fled through the jail's main gate. The circumstances surrounding the escape and the security lapse are under investigation.