Theni jailbreak: Human error led to escape of prisoners, says DGP-Prisons Sandeep Rai Rathore

The inmates, five of whom were involved in a sensational murder case in Vikramangalam police station limits in Madurai district, overpowered jail warders and escaped through the main entry | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

A ‘human error’ led to the escape of 17 inmates from the Theni district jail on Monday (October 26, 2026) night, Director-General of Police, Prisons, Sandeep Rai Rathore, said.

While four of the escaped prisoners were already secured, an intensive combing operation was under way in Theni district and adjoining areas to apprehend the others. The State authorities were in touch with their counterpart in Keralam to mount vigil on all roads leading to the inter-State borders. 

The inmates, five of whom were involved in a sensational murder case in Vikramangalam police station limits in Madurai district, overpowered jail warders and escaped through the main entry. 

“There was a clear breach of security protocol as the prisoners managed to pass through a three-tier barrier manned by security personnel. Some prison staff were carried away by the claim that an inmate had suffered epilepsy and was battling for life. Their focus was on shifting him to the hospital. The accused prisoners took advantage of this gap and escaped,” Dr. Rathore told The Hindu on Tuesday (October 27). 

Prison guards suspended 

Nine prison guards in different ranks were placed under suspension. 

The DGP said a detailed inquiry had been ordered into the lapses and circumstances that led to the escape of the prisoners, and firm action would be taken against the staff found guilty of dereliction of duty. Parrying questions on the possibility of some prison officials colluding with the accused prisoners, he said any such nexus would be known only after the inquiry.

Security audit under way

Dr. Rathore said a security audit of all prisons in Tamil Nadu was ordered soon after the escape of a Nepali prisoner in Puzhal central prison recently. It came to light that the electrified fence was defunct for quite some time. 

“A gap analysis is under way in all prison complexes across the State. Prisons are hardened targets where foolproof security arrangements should be in place…there should be no room for any complacency,” he said.

On Tuesday, Tamil Nadu woke up one of the biggest jail breaks in Theni district where 17 inmates walked out of the district jail after overpowering security staff. Since Theni has a vast forest area and land bordering with Keralam, the law-enforcing agencies are working with forest and police officials of the neighbouring State, police sources said.  

STF deployed in forest area

DGP and Head of Police Force Mahesh Kumar Aggarwal said that several teams of the Special Task Force were conducting operations in the forest area abutting Theni district. 

A company of the Tamil Nadu Special Police was also deployed in the search operations that were being directly supervised by the Inspector-General of Police, South Zone, Vijayendra Bidari.

“Soon after the escape of prisoners was reported, we alerted senior officers in South and Central Zone to conduct vehicle checks and enhance surveillance in railway stations, bus stands, etc. We are working in coordination with the DGP of Keralam in the search operations,” Dr. Aggarwal said.

Published - October 27, 2026 11:48 am IST