DMK leaders MK Stalin and Kanimozhi questioned the state government's handling of law and order, while the BJP accused the Vijay-led government of administrative failure and lapses in prison security.
Opposition attacks CM Vijay after Tamil Nadu jail-break incident
New Delhi,Oct 27, 2026 11:18 IST
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay faced sharp criticism from the opposition DMK and the BJP on Tuesday after 17 inmates escaped from the Thekkampatti sub-jail in Theni district.
DMK leaders MK Stalin and Kanimozhi questioned the state government's handling of law and order, while the BJP accused the Vijay-led Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government of administrative failure and lapses in prison security.
The criticism came a day after the inmates allegedly faked a medical emergency, attacked jail staff and fled, triggering a search operation to track them down.
STALIN SLAMS VIJAY GOVT
Taking a swipe at the state government, DMK chief and former Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin said, “Following Breaking Bad, prison break has also begun in Tamil Nadu! I thought criminals released on bail weren't being monitored. It turns out this administration is in such a pathetic state that it lets prisoners inside jail escape as well.”
“Before we could recover from the shock of two inmates escaping from Puzhal Prison, 17 prisoners have escaped from the Theni District Jail. People say this is the first time so many prisoners have escaped all at once since 1995. Such an incident happening in 2026—when security arrangements and surveillance facilities are supposed to have advanced—is unacceptable,” he added.
Stalin also questioned the state of law and order, saying criminals outside prison were committing offences freely while inmates were escaping from inside jails.
KANIMOZHI QUESTIONS PRISON SECURITY
DMK MP Kanimozhi also criticised the state government over the escape, questioning its ability to maintain security both inside and outside prisons.
“There are reports that 17 inmates escaped after attacking the guards in Thekambatti Jail in Theni district.
“This government has not been able to arrest the criminals and has not been able to protect the criminals in jail! What will TVK’s police IT wing say?” she said.
DMK MP P Wilson also criticised the Vijay government, calling the incident shameful.
BJP ACCUSES TVK GOVT OF ADMINISTRATIVE FAILURE
BJP Tamil Nadu Chief Media Coordinator Narayanan Thirupathi described the jailbreak as a major failure of the Vijay government and alleged serious lapses in prison security.
“The incident of prisoners escaping from Theni Jail is a humiliating defeat that the TVK government of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay must bow its head in shame for,” he said.
Thirupathi argued that the escape was not the result of an elaborate plan but exposed weaknesses in prison security. He questioned why multiple remand prisoners were lodged in the same room and why jail staff opened the cell without adequately verifying the reported medical emergency.
He also called for the immediate arrest of the remaining escapees and strict action against officials whose alleged negligence allowed the incident to take place. He said the state government and the chief minister must take responsibility for the security lapse.
WHAT HAPPENED AT THE THEKKAMPATTI SUB-JAIL?
Seventeen inmates escaped from the Thekkampatti sub-jail in Theni district late Monday night after staging a medical emergency and attacking prison personnel who entered their cell.
All 17 prisoners were lodged in the same cell when one of them pretended to suffer an epileptic seizure, prompting the staff to open the door.
The incident left three prison personnel injured, including Grade II jail staff member Thangapandi, who sustained a head injury. Police launched a manhunt, formed 17 special teams and intensified checks at checkpoints in neighbouring districts.
Four of the escaped inmates had been arrested by Tuesday morning, while efforts continued to trace the remaining prisoners.
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