The Government Observation Home and Place of Safety houses more than 70 juveniles and young offenders aged between 18 and 21 from across Tamil Nadu who are involved in various criminal cases.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Twelve inmates escaped from a Government Place of Safety in Athur near Chengalpattu and later attacked motorists on road before fleeing on two-wheelers, taking mobile phones and cash. One of the escapees, a 19-year-old from K.K. Nagar, was arrested early on Monday, while police are searching for the remaining 11.
The Government Observation Home and Place of Safety functioning under the Social Welfare Department, houses more than 70 juveniles and young offenders aged between 18 and 21 from across Tamil Nadu who are involved in various criminal cases.
According to police sources, several rival groups operate inside the institution. About 10 days ago, a violent clash broke out between two groups, following which cases were registered against 19 inmates. More than five inmates had escaped from the facility during that incident.
On Sunday evening, as a movie was being screened for the inmates, more than 10 of them allegedly escaped while the strength of staff was less and they were preoccupied with other work. They also managed to escape the security guard stationed at the entrance. The group broke open the main gate and escaped from the premises.
After fleeing, the escapees allegedly intercepted motorists on the Chengalpattu-Orakkattupettai Road, assaulted them and robbed them of two-wheelers, mobile phones and cash before escaping.
A preliminary investigation by the Chengalpattu Taluk Police found that 12 inmates had escaped from the observation home. The absconding youths are reportedly from Chennai, Namakkal, Coimbatore, Theni and other districts.
The police arrested one of the escapees during the early hours of Monday. Investigators said he had allegedly reached his residence around midnight in an intoxicated condition after escaping from the observation home. Acting on information, the police arrested him from his house and brought him to the Chengalpattu Taluk Police Station for questioning.
The police are continuing their investigation to determine the motive behind the attack on the teachers and warden and to trace the remaining 11 escapees.
Published – July 14, 2026 05:30 am IST
