Theni Prison Break: Palaniswami Criticises TVK Government, Seeks Stronger Security

The prisoners allegedly assaulted prison guards before escaping on Monday night. Police have apprehended four of the escapees, while efforts are continuing to trace the remaining prisoners.

In a post on X, Palaniswami questioned why prison security had not been strengthened after an earlier incident in which two prisoners escaped from Puzhal prison. He argued that the previous breach should have prompted a comprehensive review of security arrangements across the state’s prisons.

Palaniswami Targets Minister Over Departmental Administration

Palaniswami criticised Minister C.T.R. Nirmalkumar, who, he said, was responsible for the law, electricity and prisons departments. The AIADMK leader alleged that all three departments were facing administrative shortcomings.

He referred to alleged irregularities in the appointment of government lawyers, concerns over electricity procurement and power cuts, arguing that the latest prison escape had added to the issues facing the minister’s portfolios.

Palaniswami also accused Nirmalkumar of focusing excessively on criticising the AIADMK in public instead of addressing the functioning of the departments under his charge.

Questions Raised Over Previous Prison Inspection

The AIADMK leader also questioned Chief Minister Vijay’s earlier inspection of Puzhal prison, asking whether it had resulted in meaningful improvements to security arrangements.

He said the latest escape, which reportedly involved an assault on prison personnel, raised broader concerns about the ability of authorities to maintain security within correctional facilities.

Palaniswami questioned how the public could feel secure if prison authorities were unable to prevent such incidents inside their own facilities.

Opposition Raises Wider Law-and-Order Concerns

Expanding his criticism beyond the prison escape, Palaniswami cited alleged increases in murders and crimes against women, missing children and allegations concerning a ruling party functionary’s links to narcotics.

In a sarcastic reference to the government’s publicity efforts, he suggested that the incidents could be compiled into a publication marking the administration’s first 150 days in office.

The AIADMK general secretary urged the government to recapture all the escaped prisoners and return them to custody. He also called for sustained attention to law and order across Tamil Nadu, alongside stronger security measures in prisons.

The police search for the remaining escapees is continuing, following the apprehension of four prisoners.