17 prisoners escape from Tamil Nadu Jail; One arrested, chances of fleeing to Kerala

CHENNAI: Seventeen prisoners escaped from a jail in Tamil Nadu after attacking a police officer. The inmates, accused in criminal cases escaped from the district jail at Thekkampatti, near Andipatti in Theni. One of the escapees was later caught during an inspection. As the prisoners are suspected of fleeing to Kerala and other places, police have intensified vehicle checking focusing on check posts.

The incident happened Monday night. A security officer went to the cell housing the 17 prisoners after receiving information that one of the inmates had suffered an epileptic seizure. As soon as the officer entered the cell, the prisoners attacked him and escaped. The police have registered a case and intensified investigation. 17 special teams have been formed to catch the escapees. Security checking have been tightened along the Palakkad and Idukki borders.

Thangapandi, a Grade-II police officer of Theni District Jail, who sustained injuries in the attack has been admitted to a hospital. Two other prison officers also sustained minor injuries.