Amid repeated escapes, 11 juveniles flee Chengalpattu special home
Eleven juveniles escaped from the Chengalpattu Government Special Home on Friday (August 14, 2026), prompting a large-scale search operation by the Tamil Nadu police. The facility, which houses juveniles from across the state involved in criminal cases, has witnessed repeated escape attempts over the past eight months, raising serious concerns about security.
According to police, the escape took place during dinner time when the juveniles allegedly stole a key from a home guard and fled the premises. A case has been registered, and an investigation is underway to determine how the juveniles obtained the key and managed to leave undetected. On receiving a complaint from the staff, the Chengalpattu Town police visited the home and began an inquiry to identify the escapees and ascertain their native places. District Superintendent of Police Ayman Jamal also visited the facility and conducted an inspection.
As part of the search, more than 100 police personnel from the Chengalpattu Armed Reserve, Chengalpattu Town, Chengalpattu Taluk, Palur and Padalam police stations have been deployed. Police teams are checking buses, trains and other public transport hubs across the district. Checkpoints have been set up at key locations, and neighbouring police districts have been alerted.
The special home, which has been functioning since the British era, is one of the oldest institutions of its kind in Tamil Nadu. In the past eight months, juveniles have allegedly assaulted security guards and staff, including cooks, and escaped on three occasions. The latest incident is the fourth such attempt during this period, according to sources.
Special homes function under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, which mandates that juveniles in conflict with the law be provided with a safe and rehabilitative environment. They are intended to offer education, vocational training and counselling. The repeated breaches at the Chengalpattu facility, however, have raised questions about the adequacy of infrastructure and staffing in such institutions across the state.
Staff members at the home have been seeking round-the-clock security, with police personnel deployed in shifts. They have cited the repeated escapes and assaults as a serious threat to the safety of both inmates and staff. The home administration has reportedly sent several representations to senior officials demanding permanent police deployment.
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. Our teams are working to trace them, and we are examining all available leads."
The district administration has asked the home authorities to submit a detailed report on the incident. Officials said the security protocol at the facility is being reviewed to prevent such incidents in the future. The search for the escaped juveniles is continuing.
