The government also initiated action against the prison personnel for security lapses: Reports
CHENNAI: Taking a serious view of negligence and lack of vigilance at Thekkampatti sub-jail in Theni district, which enabled the escape of 17 prisoners on October 26, Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay ordered the suspension of the deputy jail superintendent (in charge), N Ramalingam, for dereliction of duty.
The government also initiated action against the prison personnel for security lapses that led to the sensational jailbreak though the escaped prisoners were recaptured and lodged in the jail.
Vijay directed the Prisons Department to initiate severe punitive measures against the erring officials and, on Saturday, ordered a strategic reshuffle of top prison administrators across the State.
The suspension order, issued under the Tamil Nadu Civil Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules and would be in effect until further orders, cited Ramalingam’s complete failure to maintain proper supervision, control, and vigil over both the inmates and the on-duty staff.
In a bid to overhaul prison administration, reinforce accountability, and tighten security protocols, the government has ordered the immediate transfer of R Krishnaraj, Superintendent of the Madurai Central Prison.
Issuing a stern warning to the department, the Chief Minister emphasised that prison officials found guilty of lethargy, negligence, or laxity in the future would face the highest level of disciplinary action.
The government had already transferred Director General of Police (Prisons) Sandeep Rai Rathore to TANGEDCO as CVO and appointed K Shankar as the new ADGP of Prisons and Correctional Services.
On October 26, the prisoners had staged a fake medical emergency and overpowered the prison guards violently before breaking themselves free. State police swung into action by launching a multi-agency combing operation and tracked down the escapees within a short span.
Police even used drones to locate and apprehend eight convicts hiding among thickets away from the prison. All of them were lodged in the prison.
Besides, the Prisons Department has launched a security audit across prisons as there had been two other incidents of undertrial prisoners escaping in recent days. The audit would identify vulnerabilities and guide decisions on strengthening prison infrastructure, including the possible arming of personnel on the watchtowers.
Amidst the security concerns, questions were also raised over prison capacity. If the facility with a sanctioned capacity of 200 housed 334 prisoners it would only add to the challenges of prison administration, it was said.
