Theni Jailbreak: 17 Inmates Escape After Attacking Guards, 9 Suspended
A massive security breach unfolded in Tamil Nadu as 17 undertrial prisoners escaped from Theni jail after feigning illness and attacking prison guards. The inmates staged a medical emergency inside their cell, claiming a prisoner had suffered a seizure. When three wardens entered the cell to inspect the situation, the prisoners assaulted them, leaving staff injured, including one guard who suffered severe head injuries. Following the escape, Director General of Police (Prisons) Sandeep Rai Rathore suspended nine jail personnel, including two head constables, for dereliction of duty. While four escaped inmates have been nabbed and brought back into custody, 13 remain at large. Tamil Nadu police deployed drones, technological surveillance, and 17 specialised teams to track down the fugitives. The jailbreak has triggered fierce political criticism from opposition parties, including the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and the Bharatiya Janata Party, targeting the state government over the deteriorating law and order situation, while Minister Nirmal Kumar confirmed active search operations across checkpoints.