17 inmates escape Theni jail after faking medical emergency; five caught, 12 still at large

Seventeen undertrial prisoners escaped from the Theni sub-jail near Andipatti in Tamil Nadu on the night of October 26 after allegedly staging a medical emergency to lure prison personnel into opening their cells. The inmates then overpowered the guards and fled through the prison’s main entrance.

South Zone Inspector General of Police Vijayendra Bidari said the prisoners staged an “epilepsy drama” as part of the escape attempt. Police have arrested one of the escapees during combing operations in a forested area behind the prison.

“Having a sentry stationed outside and ensuring that the outer gate is locked are essential. If these procedures are not followed, serious security lapses can occur.”

According to an official press release issued on October 27, five of the 17 escapees have been arrested while the remaining 12 remain at large. Police formed 17 special teams to track down the fugitives and intensified vehicle checks in neighbouring districts.

The jail, functioning at Thekkampatti since January 10, 2019, has a sanctioned capacity of 200 inmates but was housing 334 prisoners on October 26, operating at approximately 167 percent of its authorised capacity.

Tamil Nadu Prisons Director General of Police Sandeep Rai Rathore ordered the suspension of nine prison personnel for dereliction of duty and ordered a detailed investigation into the security lapse.

Retired prison warden S. Nallathambi said the security arrangements at the outer gate and night-shift guard deployment warrant scrutiny, adding that a sentry should be stationed outside and the outer gate kept locked.