District sub-Jail at Thekkampatti near Andipatti in Theni district, where 17 prisoners escaped, on October 26, 2026 night.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Following the escape of 17 remand prisoners from a sub-jail in Theni district late on Monday (October 26, 2026) night, the Keralam police were alerted, and combing operations were under way in some forest areas too, said a senior officer in the Tamil Nadu police.

The special teams formed to nab the prisoners have shared their pictures with officers at different locations across Tamil Nadu and Keralam. Searches were under way in the forest areas along the Western Ghats and in the neighbouring Idukki district in Keralam too.

The police identified the warden injured in the attack by the inmates as Thangapandi, a Grade II constable. He has been admitted in the Theni Government Medical College and Hospital. Two others were also undergoing treatment, the senior officer said.

Though the exact locations from where four prisoners were re-apprehended by the special teams were not disclosed immediately, the senior officer said that based on the confessions of the accused, the teams were in the process of nabbing the remaining prisoners who had escaped.

“Once the remaining 13 prisoners are also secured, we will conduct a thorough inquiry,” said Director General of Police Mahesh Kumar Aggarwal.

Inspector General of Police (South Zone) said that they have shared information with senior officers in Keralam and the combing operation was on in full swing.

Published – October 27, 2026 08:25 am IST