A violent altercation between two undertrial prisoners, arrested for the high-profile murder of BSP state president K Armstrong, rocked Chennai's Puzhal Central Prison on Friday. The incident, which occurred during lunch hours, resulted in injuries to an assistant jailor who attempted to intervene.
What Sparked the Prison Brawl?
The clash involved two key accused in the July 2024 murder case of K Armstrong: Appu from Pudur and Ponnai Balu, the brother of slain history-sheeter 'Arcot' Suresh. According to prison and police sources, the confrontation began when Appu allegedly attacked Balu inside the prison complex, leading to a retaliatory assault.
The root cause of the violence appears to be a combination of broken promises and gang rivalry. A police officer stated that Appu confronted Balu, accusing him of failing to deliver on assurances of financial assistance and legal support. Furthermore, officials linked the altercation to the ongoing rivalry between the Ponnai Balu–Manivannan group and the Pudur Appu group, specifically over bail-related issues in the Armstrong murder case.
Injuries and Immediate Aftermath
The situation escalated rapidly from a verbal argument to a physical fight. Assistant Jailor Thirunavukkarasu, who stepped in to pacify the inmates, sustained injuries in the process. Prison guards eventually intervened, separated the two rival groups, and confined them to their respective cells to prevent further violence.
The injured jail official received first-aid treatment at the prison hospital. Following a formal complaint by the prison authorities, the Puzhal police have registered a case of attempted murder against both Appu and Ponnai Balu.
Security Concerns and Review
This violent episode has raised significant security concerns within the prison administration. The incident highlights the challenges of managing high-profile inmates involved in inter-gang rivalries, even within prison walls.
In response, authorities have initiated a review of internal monitoring systems and preventive measures. The goal is to avert similar clashes among rival groups in the future and ensure the safety of both prison staff and inmates.
It is noteworthy that Appu was reportedly involved in preparing country-made bombs intended for use in the murder of Armstrong, underscoring the serious nature of the inmates involved in this clash.
