Former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK president MK Stalin has criticised Chief Minister Vijay’s government after 17 undertrial prisoners escaped from a sub-jail in Theni district, raising serious concerns over prison security.

The prisoners allegedly overpowered prison staff and escaped from Thekkampatti sub-jail late Monday. Four have been recaptured, while police are searching for the remaining 13.

In a post on X, Stalin compared the incident to the television series Breaking Bad and Prison Break, accusing the state government of failing to maintain law and order. He also questioned how such a large number of inmates could escape despite security arrangements.

Opposition leader Edappadi K Palaniswami also criticised the government over the security lapse.

Preliminary investigations suggest that some prisoners pretended to suffer an epileptic seizure, prompting prison staff to enter their cell. The inmates then allegedly attacked the officers and fled through the main entrance. Three prison personnel were injured.

Police have formed 17 special teams and deployed drones and checkpoints to track down the fugitives. Meanwhile, nine prison personnel have been suspended pending an investigation into the incident.