A "human error" allowed 17 inmates to escape from the Theni district jail in Tamil Nadu on Monday night, Director-General of Police (Prisons) Sandeep Rai Rathore told The Hindu. Four of them have been caught, and a search is under way for the rest.
How they got out
The prisoners overpowered jail warders and left through the main entrance, passing a three-tier security barrier. Five of them were involved in a murder case in Madurai district's Vikramangalam police station limits, The Hindu reported.
"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 prisoners took advantage of this gap and escaped," Rathore said.
Action against staff
Nine prison guards of different ranks have been suspended. A detailed inquiry has been ordered, and firm action will be taken against anyone found guilty of neglecting their duty, the DGP said. Asked whether any officials helped the prisoners, he said that would be known only after the inquiry.
The search
Combing operations are under way in Theni and nearby areas. Tamil Nadu authorities are in touch with the Keralam police to watch all roads leading to the state border.
The public can share information on the escaped prisoners at 9498101570 or 9176104100.
Background: second escape in weeks
Rathore said a security audit of all prisons in Tamil Nadu had already been ordered after a Nepali prisoner recently escaped from Puzhal central prison, where the electrified fence was found to have been out of order for some time.
"Prisons are hardened targets where foolproof security arrangements should be in place…there should be no room for any complacency," he said.