Theni Jailbreak: Inmates Faked Epilepsy To Escape; Cops Nab One, 17 Teams Formed To Trace Others

News india Theni Jailbreak: Inmates Faked Epilepsy To Escape; Cops Nab One, 17 Teams Formed To Trace Others

Last Updated:October 27, 2026, 07:24 IST

Seventeen inmates escaped from Tamil Nadu’s Theni sub-jail after allegedly assaulting personnel. One has been arrested, and police have formed 17 teams.

Seventeen inmates lodged at a sub-jail in Theni district of Tamil Nadu escaped late Monday night after allegedly assaulting jail personnel, with South Zone Inspector General of Police Vijayendra Bidari saying the prisoners staged an “epilepsy drama" as part of the escape attempt.

Police have arrested one of the 17 escapees, while efforts are underway to trace the remaining inmates.

According to a report by news agency ANI, 17 special police teams were formed to track down the escaped prisoners. Police have also intensified combing operations and vehicle checks in the region following the incident.

Bidari, while briefing the media about the jailbreak at the Andipatti Thekkampatti sub-jail, outlined the initial findings of the investigation and the measures being taken to apprehend the remaining inmates.

“One escaped prisoner has been arrested by police during combing operations," Bidari said, according to ANI.

The arrested inmate is a native of Madurai and was reportedly caught while hiding in a forested area behind the prison.

HOW THE 17 INMATES ESCAPED

According to police, all 17 accused persons were lodged in the same cell at the Theni sub-jail. The escape took place after jail personnel received information that one of the inmates was unwell.

When prison personnel entered the cell to attend to the reported medical concern, the inmates allegedly assaulted them before escaping from the facility, officials said.

During his briefing, Bidari said the prisoners had staged an “epilepsy drama" to facilitate their escape. The statement forms part of the initial findings shared by the senior police officer as the investigation continues.

The circumstances surrounding the alleged staging of the medical emergency and the subsequent assault are being investigated.

JAIL PERSONNEL INJURED IN THE INCIDENT

The escape was accompanied by an assault on jail personnel. Gr. II Police personnel Thangapandi, who was attached to the Theni district jail, sustained a head injury during the incident.

According to the police report cited by ANI, Thangapandi was admitted to the Government Hospital at G Vilakku for treatment. Two other jail police personnel also sustained minor injuries.

The inmates allegedly assaulted the personnel when they entered the cell following information that one of the prisoners was unwell. The incident was followed by the escape of all 17 accused persons lodged in the cell.

ONE ESCAPEE ARRESTED, 17 SPECIAL TEAMS FORMED

Police have arrested one of the escaped inmates during combing operations, while the search for the remaining prisoners continues.

The arrested man, who hails from Madurai, was apprehended while hiding in the forest area behind the prison. Police have formed 17 special teams to trace and apprehend the other escapees.

Authorities have also alerted police in neighbouring districts and intensified checks to prevent the fugitives from evading capture.

CHECKPOSTS SET UP IN NEIGHBOURING DISTRICTS

Security measures were stepped up in neighbouring areas following the jailbreak. Dindigul Superintendent of Police S Jeyakumar told ANI that checkposts had been established at 16 locations in Dindigul district as a precautionary measure.

Police in Idukki, Madurai and Dindigul districts were also alerted about the incident. Photographs of the escaped accused persons were circulated among police officials to assist in identifying and apprehending them.

Intensive vehicle checks were being conducted as part of the search operation, while police teams continue combing areas in an effort to locate the remaining fugitives.

A case was registered in connection with the incident, and further investigation is underway.

About the Author

Vani Mehrotra

Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has more than 10 years of experience in national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.

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