Security tightened in central Tamil Nadu prisons after Theni jailbreak
Authorities in Tiruchy have increased personnel and surveillance following the escape of 17 prisoners from the Theni sub-jail.
Authorities in Tiruchy have strengthened security arrangements at the central prison, the special prison for Women, and various sub-jails following the escape of 17 prisoners from the Theni sub-jail, according to The New Indian Express.
At the Tiruchy central prison, which houses approximately 1,850 male inmates, the night-shift staff has been increased from 40 to 50. The prison has closed its petrol bunks and prison bazaar to reassign those personnel to prison duties. Security measures include reinforced locks, barricades around buildings, and the deployment of staff at five watchtowers.
The central prison uses 86 CCTV cameras for round-the-clock monitoring, and Tamil Nadu Special Police (TSP) personnel are stationed outside. Similar steps were taken at the special camp housing about 170 foreign nationals. In the Tiruchy Special Prison for Women, which holds around 130 inmates, the staff per shift rose from 8 to 10.
Security has also been bolstered at 22 district and sub-jails across Tiruchy and neighbouring areas, including Perambalur, Ariyalur, Karur, Nagapattinam, Thiruvarur, Mayiladuthurai, and Thanjavur.
Senior prison officials from Tiruchy told TNIE that they have reviewed security to address gaps and have requested the government for more staff and additional CCTV cameras. They noted that buildings undergo inspections every six months for structural integrity and security.
Senior advocate V Madhan said that increasing staff and cameras is not sufficient. He stated that regular inspections, monitoring of escort duties, and strict prisoner movement procedures are necessary to ensure accountability and safety.