MK Stalin lashed out at the Vijay administration today, calling the escape of 17 undertrials from the Theni sub‑jail a "colossal security lapse" that shows the state is "good for nothing"—the DMK chief posted the scathing remark on Twitter on Oct. 27, 2026.
The jailbreak, which occurred after a fake epileptic seizure was staged by the prisoners, is the largest mass escape in Tamil Nadu since 1995. The Theni incident follows a separate escape of two inmates from Puzhal prison outside Chennai earlier in the month, putting the police and prison departments under renewed scrutiny.
DMK MP TKS Elangovan joined the attack, asking whether the escapees were fans of Chief Minister Vijay or supporters of the ruling TVK. AIADMK leaders Edappadi K Palaniswami and R. Inbadurai also condemned the failure, demanding accountability and even suggesting the administration should be placed under suspended animation.
Police have re‑arrested four of the escapees and are combing the forested Theni district to locate the remaining ones. South Zone Inspector General Bidari told NDTV that intensive operations are underway, while Prisons Director General Sandeep Rai Rathore has flown in from Chennai to oversee the investigation.
The incident has triggered a wave of criticism from opposition parties and civil society groups, who argue that the state’s security apparatus is woefully inadequate. The government faces pressure to strengthen prison surveillance systems and to review its parole policies amid growing public concern over law and order.