17 Inmates Escape Theni Sub-Jail, Four Arrested in Search

Seventeen inmates escaped from Thekkampatti sub-jail in Theni district late Monday, October 26, after jail staff entered their shared cell in response to a report that one prisoner was unwell, police said. The inmates allegedly assaulted the personnel before fleeing. Inspector General of Police for the South Zone Vijayendra Bidari said an initial escapee was arrested during combing operations. A later update from Bidari, reported on October 27, said three more had been apprehended, bringing the reported total to four. Police were continuing to search for the others. According to preliminary police inquiries, all 17 inmates were held in one cell. At about 10:30 p.m., some called a warder and said a prisoner was suffering a seizure. When staff opened the cell and went inside, the inmates allegedly attacked them and escaped. One account placed the escape at about 11 p.m.; reports described it as occurring late Monday night. Police formed 17 special teams to locate the escapees and alerted forces in neighbouring districts. Dindigul Superintendent of Police S. Jeyakumar said checkpoints had been established at 16 locations in Dindigul district. Officers also intensified vehicle...