Tamil Nadu Prisons Enhance Security with Armed Personnel
Following a jailbreak incident, Tamil Nadu's prisons have deployed armed guards to prevent further escapes.
Armed personnel now guard nine central and five women's prisons in Tamil Nadu.
Prison staff have been instructed to open fire on escape attempts.
A comprehensive security audit is underway to assess and improve prison safety.
In response to the recent escape of 17 inmates from Theni sub-jail, the Tamil Nadu prisons department has initiated a significant security overhaul. Armed personnel equipped with self-loading rifles (SLRs) have been deployed to monitor watchtowers at nine central prisons, five special prisons for women, and 13 district jails. This measure aims to deter any further escape attempts by inmates.
The decision to enhance security comes after a thorough review of the state's prison system, which has faced challenges in maintaining order and safety. The department has canceled all personnel leave and mandated immediate duty for staff, who are also required to carry batons. Sources indicate that the SLRs were distributed to Tamil Nadu Special Police and prison staff assigned to watchtower duties, ensuring a constant armed presence.
A senior prison official confirmed that each central and district prison will have five to six watchtowers manned by armed personnel at all times. These guards have been explicitly instructed to use lethal force if any inmate attempts to escape. The deployment of armed guards began on Tuesday, with the arrangement extending to district jails the following day. Director General of Prisons Sandeep Rai Rathore emphasized that the use of firearms would be contingent on the specific security needs and circumstances at each facility.
The Tamil Nadu prisons system comprises 125 institutions, including various types of prisons and correctional facilities, with a total authorized capacity of 24,148 inmates. Currently, the prison population stands at approximately 23,600, which, while below capacity, raises concerns about overcrowding in certain facilities. Notably, central prisons in Chennai, Coimbatore, and Madurai are operating at 115% to 150% of their sanctioned capacity, complicating security measures further.
Looking ahead, the prisons department is conducting a security audit to identify vulnerabilities and enhance safety protocols. This audit, expected to conclude by the end of the month, will inform future decisions regarding security enhancements and operational adjustments to ensure the effective management of the prison system.
