Theni: Seventeen undertrial prisoners escaped from the Andipatti sub-jail in Tamil Nadu’s Theni district after allegedly attacking security personnel. Police have apprehended one of the escapees from a forest near the prison, while a search is underway for the remaining 16.
According to officials, all 17 prisoners were lodged in the same cell. They allegedly attacked four police personnel when the guards entered the cell after one of the inmates complained of illness.
A police officer identified as Thangapandi sustained a head injury and was admitted to a nearby hospital. Two other police personnel also suffered injuries in the attack.
Following reports that the escapees might attempt to enter Kerala, security has been tightened at check posts along the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border. Vehicle inspections have also been intensified, particularly along routes leading to Idukki, amid concerns that the fugitives could enter Kerala through the district.
