CHENNAI – The jailbreak at a sub-jail in Tamil Nadu’s Theni district appears to have been planned in just a few hours, an investigation has found. According to findings shared with NDTV, a 26-year-old undertrial suggested the idea, and another inmate quickly acted on it by pretending to have an epileptic seizure.
How the Plan Came Together
The escape was allegedly planned around 7 pm on Monday and carried out around 10 pm. Investigators believe the plot was spontaneous and driven by anger among some inmates after their bail pleas were rejected.
Linga Prasath, 26, from Madurai, has emerged as the alleged mastermind. He suggested using a medical emergency as a diversion. Muthu Elangovan, also 26 and facing robbery cases, allegedly put the idea into action by faking a seizure, which made jail staff rush to help.
How the Escape Happened
As the staff approached, other inmates allegedly raised a commotion. After coming out of their block, the group attacked jail staff with kitchen equipment they found nearby. They then overpowered other personnel near the entrance, snatched the keys and escaped.
What Police Say
Vijayendra Bidari, Inspector General of Police (South Zone), told NDTV that questioning so far points to a plan that took shape quickly. He said the idea appears to have come mainly from Linga Prasath, who is partially handicapped, on the same evening, while some inmates were discussing that their bail had been cancelled. Others then took it up spontaneously, he said.
Linga Prasath has pending cases linked to organised crime, snatching, and possession and disposal of stolen property. Two other inmates were also reportedly angry after being denied bail that day, which added to the tension before the escape.
The Inmates Involved
The block held 32 undertrials, and 17 of them fled. Investigators have questioned all 17 to understand the sequence of events and the role each person played. They are also examining the remaining inmates, some of whom are suspected of playing a passive or supportive role.
The findings suggest the escape was not necessarily a long-planned operation. It may have grown out of discussions among inmates that evening. Investigators are still looking at how the group coordinated its actions and used weak points in the jail’s security.
Arrests and Action Taken
All 17 undertrials who escaped were arrested within 48 hours of the jailbreak. Nine jail staff members have been suspended for alleged dereliction of duty.
Security Review Across Tamil Nadu
The Tamil Nadu Prisons Department has launched a security audit of prisons across the state. A gap analysis, which means a check of where security is weak, is planned by the end of the month.
The findings will guide further steps to strengthen prison security. These may include arming watchtowers at vulnerable locations.
