Eleven juveniles escaped from the Chengalpattu Government Special Home on Friday (August 14, 2026). The facility houses juveniles from across Tamil Nadu involved in criminal cases.

After receiving information about the escape, Chengalpattu Town police visited the home and began an inquiry to identify the juveniles and ascertain their native places. Chengalpattu District Superintendent of Police Ayman Jamal also visited the facility and conducted an inspection.

The special home, which has been functioning since the British era, has reportedly witnessed repeated incidents of juveniles assaulting staff members, including cooks and security guards, before escaping. In the past eight months, juveniles have allegedly assaulted security guards and escaped on three occasions.

Following the latest incident, more than 100 police personnel from the Chengalpattu Armed Reserve, Chengalpattu Town, Chengalpattu Taluk, Palur and Padalam police stations have been deployed to assist with security and search operations.

Staff at the home have been seeking round-the-clock security, with police personnel deployed in shifts, citing the repeated incidents of juveniles escaping from the facility.

A senior police officer said, “After receiving the complaint from the staff, we have duly registered a case and quickly launched an investigation. The juveniles allegedly stole a key from a home guard during dinner time and escaped.”

Published - August 15, 2026 05:11 pm IST