Chennai: In the event of an untoward incident such as prisoners escaping from jail, the DGP of the Prisons Department has issued an order permitting prison officials to use firearms as appropriate to the situation.
Prisoners escaped one after another from the Chennai Puzhal and Theni prisons. In particular, the incident in Theni, where prisoners attacked prison guards and escaped, caused shock.
Although the escaped prisoners were subsequently arrested one after another, criticism was raised from various quarters that their escape despite tight security exposed lapses in security.
On the other hand, the department DGP Sandeep Rai Rathore recently held consultations with prison department officials.
He also instructed that an immediate report be submitted on the security arrangements in all prisons across Tamil Nadu. He further said that any shortcomings could also be reported.
Meanwhile, police personnel engaged in security duties at the watchtowers in central and district prisons in Tamil Nadu have been ordered to remain on duty with firearms.
Until 6 years ago, prison department police personnel monitored from watchtowers with guns. After that, when those guns were taken back, permission has now been granted again to use guns.
Prison department officials and staff have been instructed to closely monitor the movements and activities of prisoners in jails. They are also to keep track of who visits the prisoners on time.
In addition, the prison department intelligence wing has been instructed to monitor whether there is any criminal conspiracy.
In this situation, Prison Department DGP Sandeep Rai Rathore has issued an order granting permission for prison officials to use firearms if prisoners escape from jail or attack prison department officers in an attempt to flee.