The Tamil Nadu State Legal Services Authority (TNSLSA) has ordered an investigation into allegations of torture, assault and intimidation involving 17 undertrial prisoners who escaped from a sub-jail in Theni district on October 26 and were later recaptured.
Madras High Court judge and TNSLSA executive chairman Justice SM Subramaniam directed legal services authorities in five districts to investigate the allegations, including claims that inmates were denied proper food and drinking water and prevented from filing complaints.
Officials have been instructed to meet the prisoners individually, without prison staff present, document alleged abuses and ensure access to legal aid.
The 17 inmates are currently lodged in central prisons across Cuddalore, Madurai, Salem and Tirunelveli. The authorities have been directed to submit their reports by November 16.
The prisoners escaped from Thekkampatti sub-jail near Andipatti and were apprehended following a police search operation, with the final four arrested on October 28.
