All 25 inmates were shifted overnight on Saturday to Perurani district jail. Madurai: In the aftermath of the Theni jailbreak, the prisons department has temporarily closed Srivaikundam sub-jail in Tuticorin district over security concerns.
The decision follows an Oct 21 escape at Puzhal, where a convict assigned to its Freedom Bazaar mingled with customers and slipped away.
Another senior prison official said public-facing assignments were ordinarily reserved for inmates selected for good conduct. The establishments will reopen after necessary safeguards are assessed,” he said. The restrictions have also extended to prison-run commercial establishments across southern Tamil Nadu. In Madurai, the Freedom Bazaar selling inmate-made furniture, garments and plant saplings has ceased operations. Similar activities outside prison compounds have been suspended across the state. However, authorities feared that prisoners frustrated by their circumstances could attempt similar escapes, taking advantage of opportunities outside prison compounds. “The department is unwilling to risk another incident while security is being reviewed.
The Freedom Filling Station on Jail Road, where prisoners worked under supervision, was also closed on Saturday.