Theni, Oct. 26 -- Seventeen inmates lodged at the Theni sub-jail in Tamil Nadu escaped late Monday night after allegedly assaulting a police official, officials said.

One of the 17 inmates has been arrested, while 17 special teams have been formed to trace and apprehend the remaining escapees.

Inspector General of Police (IGP), South Zone, Vijayendra Bidari, said one escaped prisoner was arrested during combing operations.

"One escaped prisoner has been arrested by police during combing operations," he said.

Security teams are conducting intensive vehicle checks following the incident. Dindigul Superintendent of Police S Jeyakumar confirmed to ANI that check posts had been set up at 16 locations in the neighbouring Dindigul district a...