In Tamil Nadu, 17 inmates escape in daring jailbreak, 13 still at large after four arrested
Representational image. (Image courtesy: Wikimedia)
New Delhi: Tamil Nadu police are searching for 13 undertrial prisoners who remain at large after 17 inmates escaped from the Thekkampatti sub-jail in Theni district late Monday night. Four escapees have been arrested, while security checks and combing operations have been intensified across neighbouring districts and routes leading into Kerala.
Speaking to reporters during a media briefing on Tuesday, Tamil Nadu minister CTR Nirmal Kumar said prison personnel had gone to check on an inmate who had reportedly fainted when the prisoners attacked them and escaped. He also referred to an alleged ₹400 crore extortion case involving a former education minister and threats against schools.
According to ANI, Police officer, Vijayendra S Bidari, confirmed that four of the escaped inmates had been apprehended. Police have formed 17 special teams to trace the remaining prisoners and are conducting intensive vehicle checks as part of the search.
The escape took place around 11.20pm on Monday, according to police accounts cited in reports. The inmates allegedly created a medical emergency to prompt prison staff to open their cell before assaulting the personnel and fleeing the facility.
Three prison personnel were injured in the incident. Grade II police personnel Thangapandi suffered serious head injuries and was taken to the hospital at G Vilakku. Two other staff members sustained minor injuries.
Police have established 16 checkpoints across Dindigul district and alerted law enforcement agencies in Madurai and Idukki district in neighbouring Kerala. Photographs and identification details of the fugitives have been circulated among police units to assist in their identification and arrest.
Authorities are also examining the circumstances of the escape and possible lapses in prison security. The sub-jail houses under-trial prisoners from Theni, Dindigul and Madurai districts. Some of the escapees were reportedly detained under the Tamil Nadu Prevention of Dangerous Activities Act, which is popularly known as the Goondas Act.
The search for the remaining 13 inmates is continuing as investigators probe the incident.
