CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay suspended the officer in charge of Theni District Jail on Saturday, days after 17 inmates broke out of the prison.
N. Nageswaran, a deputy jail superintendent, has held additional charge of the jail since Aug. 6, 2024.
The inmates escaped the night of Oct. 26 after attacking a guard on duty. All were caught within 40 hours.
Vijay ordered action over lapses in security and surveillance and what the government called a failure to carry out duties with diligence.
The suspension took effect Oct. 30 under the Tamil Nadu Civil Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules. The government said Nageswaran did not pay enough attention to supervising and controlling inmates and prison staff.
The government also moved R. Krishnaraj, superintendent of Madurai Central Prison, to Salem Central Prison. A release said the transfer is meant to tighten administration, accountability and monitoring in the prison system.
Vijay told Prison Department officials to carry out their duties with care and vigilance. He warned that those found careless or negligent would face action.
