Theni Jailbreak: Drones Deployed as Manhunt Intensifies for Escaped Prisoners
Police launch a massive manhunt with drones and 17 special teams after 17 prisoners escaped from Theni sub-jail in Tamil Nadu.
A massive security operation is underway in southern Tamil Nadu after a daring jailbreak at the Theni sub-jail saw 17 undertrial prisoners flee their cells. The police have now intensified their search, deploying high-tech drones and conducting rigorous checks at bus stands and transit points across the Kavi Vilakku area to track down the fugitives.
The Great Escape: How it Happened
The incident occurred on the night of October 26–27. According to police reports, the inmates used a clever ruse to gain their freedom. They allegedly fabricated a medical emergency, tricking prison staff into opening the door to their shared cell. Once the door was open, the prisoners turned violent, attacking the personnel on duty before fleeing the premises.
The assault left three prison staff members injured. Grade II Police Constable Thangapandi suffered a head injury and required hospitalization at the Government Hospital in G Vilakku, while two other personnel sustained minor injuries during the chaos.
The Manhunt: 17 Special Teams and Drone Surveillance
The jailbreak has triggered a high-alert status across the region. Inspector General of Police (South Zone) Vijayendra Bidari has confirmed the formation of 17 specialised teams dedicated to tracking the escapees. The operation has expanded beyond Theni, with security tightened in neighbouring districts.
In Dindigul, Superintendent of Police S Jeyakumar stated that check posts have been established at 16 strategic locations. Furthermore, the search has crossed state lines, with photographs of the fugitives circulated to police teams in Madurai, Dindigul, and Idukki in neighbouring Kerala. Vehicle checks are being conducted on all key routes to prevent the prisoners from slipping away.
Current Status of Arrests
Out of the 17 prisoners who escaped, five have been apprehended so far. One was arrested shortly after the breakout, and four more were captured during subsequent combing operations. This leaves 12 fugitives still at large.
The gravity of the security lapse has drawn the attention of top officials. Tamil Nadu Prisons Director General of Police Sandeep Rai Rathore arrived at Madurai Airport from Chennai on Tuesday and immediately headed to the Theni sub-jail to conduct an on-site investigation into how such a breach occurred.
The Fugitives on the Run
The Theni District Police have released the names of the 16 prisoners who were initially listed as missing. The individuals still being sought include:
- Karuppasamy (alias) Mathan
- Tharun Kumar
- Rajkumar
- Pandiselvam
- Thiruppathi
- Ponmuthuchelvan
- Meenakshi Sundaram
- Sabarinathan
- Rejin
- Nisanth
- Muthu Ilangovan
- Karthik Raja
- Prasanth (alias) Linga Prasath
- Raja Sikkandar
- Silambarasan
- Solai Mugilaeswaran
Public Appeal for Information
Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any sightings of the fugitives. Information can be shared with the Theni District Special Branch Office at 9498101570 or the Theni District Police Control Room at 9176104100.
A formal case has been registered, and a thorough investigation into the security lapses that allowed the escape is currently underway.