Theni, 27 Oct (H.S.): Tamil Nadu Police launched a search across Theni district after 17 prisoners allegedly assaulted guards and escaped from Thekkampatti district jail near Andipatti on Monday night. Four were recaptured by Tuesday morning, leaving 13 still at large.

Investigators said the breakout began when an inmate allegedly feigned a seizure, prompting guards to enter the enclosure to assist him. The prisoners then attacked the personnel and fled.

A guard injured during the assault was admitted to hospital. Information about his condition was not immediately available.

Seventeen special teams were formed to pursue the fugitives, while police stepped up vehicle checks and deployed sniffer dogs around the prison and neighbouring areas.

The escape occurred around 10 pm on October 26. Theni Superintendent of Police Praveen Gautham reached the facility after receiving the alert and inspected the premises.

Southern Zone Inspector General of Police Vijayendra Bidari also visited the jail and questioned prison personnel. He told reporters that police received information about the incident around 10.20 pm.

Praveen, a resident of Perungudi in Madurai district, was the first escapee caught. Police located him in a forested area near the jail.

His questioning helped investigators piece together the alleged plan, including the seizure ruse used to draw guards inside. Officers also questioned him about where the fugitives intended to go.

On Tuesday morning, police apprehended Silambarasan of Devaram in Theni district. Two others, identified as Rajkumar and Raja Sikandar, were subsequently recaptured.

The jail houses undertrial prisoners from Theni, Madurai and Dindigul. Most escapees were reportedly from Madurai district, while three were said to face detention proceedings under the Goondas Act.

Alongside the manhunt, officers were examining how the inmates coordinated the attack and breached security. Their inquiries were focused on reconstructing events inside the enclosure and establishing how the group managed to leave the premises.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman