'Breaking Bad' to 'Prison Break': Stalin's swipe at Vijay govt after 17 flee jail

Stalin doubles down on TV series jibes at Vijay govt after Theni jailbreak

NEW DELHI: Former Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin on Tuesday launched a fresh cinematic salvo at the ruling TVK government, following up his 'Breaking Bad' jibe with a 'Prison Break' reference to target chief minister C Joseph Vijay over the escape of 17 inmates from a Theni sub-jail.The DMK supremo's remarks came after 17 undertrial inmates allegedly escaped from Thekkampatti sub-jail in Tamil Nadu's Theni district late on Monday night.Former CM hit out at the TVK government, accusing the administration of failing to maintain law and order.Taking a swipe at the government led by actor-turned-politician Vijay, Stalin drew a parallel with the television series Prison Break, saying the state appeared to be witnessing a similar situation after two prisoners had earlier escaped from Puzhal prison.“Following Breaking Bad, Prison Break has now begun in Tamil Nadu too!” Stalin said in a post on X, questioning how such a large number of inmates could escape despite improved security arrangements and surveillance systems.

He said the escape of 17 inmates was particularly alarming, mentioning that it was reportedly the first such incident since 1995. Stalin said the incident came soon after the escape of two prisoners from Puzhal prison, raising questions over prison security.

Accusing the government of incompetence, the former chief minister said authorities had failed to keep track of criminals released on bail and were now struggling to prevent escapes from inside jails.“Criminals outside are committing crimes freely. Prisoners inside are also escaping without fear,” he said.Stalin further alleged that the TVK government was incapable of protecting the people of Tamil Nadu, describing it as a “completely useless, good-for-nothing administration”.He said the state had reached a point where people were being left to fend for themselves, and demanded accountability over the security lapses.This is not the first time Stalin has used a cinematic reference to target Vijay's government. Days earlier, he invoked 'Breaking Bad' following a multi-crore methamphetamine seizure in the state.The political attack followed the arrest of Boopalan, a TVK Nagapattinam district functionary and the party's Kilvelur election in-charge, by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI).

He was arrested for allegedly harbouring 135kg of methamphetamine, reportedly worth several crores of rupees.

How 17 inmates allegedly escaped

According to preliminary investigations, the 17 undertrial inmates allegedly feigned epileptic seizures to lure prison staff into opening their cell before attacking the guards and fleeing the premises.

The incident took place at Thekkampatti sub-jail in Theni district late on Monday night. Four of the escapees have been rearrested, while 13 remain at large.Three prison personnel were injured in the incident. Grade II Police Constable Thangapandi suffered serious head injuries and was rushed to the Government Hospital at G Vilakku. Two other personnel sustained minor injuries.Praveen Kumar was the first of the four escapees to be caught. The other three, identified as Silambarasan of Theni and Raja Sikandar and Rajkumar of Madurai, were re-arrested during search operations on Tuesday.