Theni jailbreak: Tamil Nadu CM Vijay orders suspension of superintendent in-charge over security lapse

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on Saturday (October 31, 2026) suspended Deputy Jail Officer N. Nageswaran, who had been holding additional charge as Superintendent of the Theni District Jail since August 6, 2024, in the light of the jailbreak incident earlier this week.

A total of 17 inmates lodged at the Theni District Jail escaped from the prison on the night of October 26, after attacking the prison guard on duty. All of them were apprehended within a span of 40 hours. 

Following the incident, Mr. Vijay on Saturday ordered stringent action over the security lapses in prison administration, negligence in surveillance, and lack of diligence in the discharge of duties.

The Superintendent was placed under suspension with effect from October 30, as per the Tamil Nadu Civil Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, for failing to pay adequate attention to the supervision and control of inmates and prison staff.

Further, with a view to strengthening surveillance, accountability, and security measures in prison administration, R. Krishnaraj, Superintendent of Madurai Central Prison, has been transferred and posted as Superintendent of Salem Central Prison, a release said.

The Chief Minister has also stated that prison department officials must discharge their responsibilities with utmost care and vigilance to ensure that there are no lapses in security and surveillance in prisons. He warned that stringent action would be taken against officials found to be negligent or careless while discharging their duties.