Theni jailbreak: CM Vijay suspends deputy jail superintendent, orders senior-level reshuffle

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on Saturday ordered the suspension of the deputy jail superintendent in charge of Thekkampatti sub-jail in Theni for dereliction of duty following a coordinated prison break involving 17 undertrial inmates.

The inmates allegedly staged a medical emergency and overpowered the guards before escaping from the jail. However, all 17 were subsequently rearrested after the police launched a massive manhunt.

In his order, the Chief Minister directed the immediate suspension of Deputy Jail Superintendent (in-charge) N. Ramalingam until further orders. He also ordered a reshuffle of senior prison administrators across the state.

The incident took place on the night of October 26, when the inmates raised an alarm, claiming that one of their fellow prisoners sharing the cell was unwell. When the guards opened the cell door, all 17 inmates allegedly launched a coordinated attack, overpowered them and fled the premises.

The police launched massive multi-agency combing operations and successfully tracked down all 17 fugitives. Drones were also deployed to locate and apprehend eight inmates who were hiding in dense thickets away from the prison.

The government's disciplinary action comes amid a political storm triggered by the jailbreak, with the DMK and other Opposition parties targeting the TVK government over the law and order situation in the state.

The suspension order cited Ramalingam's failure to ensure proper supervision, control and vigilance over both the inmates and the staff on duty. His suspension will remain in force until further orders.

The government has also ordered the transfer of other senior officials as part of an effort to overhaul prison administration, strengthen accountability and tighten security protocols. 

R. Krishnaraj, who was serving as Superintendent of Madurai Central Prison, has been transferred and posted as Superintendent of Salem Central Prison. The government has already transferred Director General of Police (Prisons) Sandeep Rai Rathore to TANGEDCO as CVO, appointing K. Shankar as the new ADGP of Prisons and Correctional Services.