Tamil Nadu Jailbreak: 17 Inmates Escape After Assaulting Guard, 1 Caught; Manhunt Launched

Last Updated:October 27, 2026, 06:35 IST

The inmates allegedly assaulted jail personnel before escaping, with police claiming they staged an “epilepsy drama” to execute their plan.

Police said the arrested inmate, who is from Madurai, was caught during combing operations in a forested area behind the prison.

Seventeen inmates escaped from the Thekkampatti sub-jail in Tamil Nadu’s Theni district late Monday night after allegedly assaulting jail personnel, officials said. One of the escapees has since been arrested, while police have formed 17 special teams to track down the remaining prisoners.

South Zone Inspector General of Police Vijayendra Bidari said the arrested inmate, who is from Madurai, was caught during combing operations in a forested area behind the prison.

“One escaped prisoner has been arrested by police during combing operations,” Bidari said.

Inmates Allegedly Faked Medical Emergency

According to police, all 17 inmates were lodged in the same cell. The incident reportedly occurred after prison personnel entered the cell following information that one of the prisoners was unwell.

The inmates allegedly assaulted the personnel before escaping. During a media briefing, Bidari said the prisoners had staged an “epilepsy drama” as part of their escape plan.

Gr. II police personnel Thangapandi, attached to the Theni district jail, sustained a head injury and was admitted to the Government Hospital at G Vilakku. Two other jail personnel also suffered minor injuries.

17 Teams Deployed, Checkpoints Set Up

Police have launched an intensive search operation to locate the remaining escapees, with security heightened across neighbouring districts.

Dindigul Superintendent of Police S Jeyakumar said checkpoints had been established at 16 locations in the neighbouring district as a precautionary measure. Vehicle checks have also been intensified along the Dindigul-Theni highway.

Police in Madurai, Dindigul and Idukki have been alerted, while photographs of the escaped inmates have been circulated among officials to help identify and apprehend them.

A case has been registered, and further investigation is under way.

DMK MP Questions State’s Law And Order

The jailbreak has also triggered a political row, with DMK Rajya Sabha MP P Wilson criticising the state government’s handling of law and order.

In a post on X, Wilson called the escape “shameful” and said it reflected the state of law and order in Tamil Nadu.

“Honble Chief minister C. Joseph Vijay @CMOTamilnadu who holds portfolio also should hang his head in shame and resign taking moral responsibility for the terrible law and order breakdown across the state,” he wrote.

Wilson also pointed to two jailbreaks at the high-security Puzhal prison just last week.

(With inputs from ANI)

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How did the 17 inmates manage to escape from the Thekkampatti sub-jail in Tamil Nadu?

The inmates staged an epilepsy drama as part of their escape plan, faking a medical emergency to lure prison personnel into their cell. Once the staff entered, the prisoners allegedly assaulted them before fleeing.

What measures have police taken to apprehend the escaped prisoners from the Theni sub-jail?

Police have formed 17 special teams to track down the remaining escapees and heightened security across neighboring districts. Additionally, checkpoints have been established at 16 locations, vehicle checks intensified along the Dindigul-Theni highway, and alerts issued to police forces in Madurai, Dindigul, and Idukki.

What recent prison security breaches were highlighted following the Tamil Nadu jailbreak?

Following the incident, DMK Rajya Sabha MP P Wilson criticized the state’s law and order and pointed to two separate recent jailbreaks that occurred at the high-security Puzhal prison. Those prior Puzhal incidents involved a POCSO convict and a Nepali national escaping in separate occurrences.

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