Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on Friday made a surprise visit to the Puzhal Central Prison in Chennai and inspected facilities available to inmates.

The inspection focused on basic amenities, healthcare, food, education, rehabilitation and vocational training. Vijay also met inmates during the visit to hear about their concerns and requirements.

Puzhal Central Prison is among the largest prison complexes in the country. During his inspection of Puzhal Central Prison-1, the Chief Minister visited several sections of the facility, including the quarantine area, visitors' hall, prison hospital and de-addiction rehabilitation centre.

He also inspected classrooms at the Mahatma Gandhi Community College, the prison library, a computer training facility, the high-security block and the execution area.

Vijay reviews vocational training facilities

The Chief Minister also visited workshops where inmates are engaged in different vocational activities.

These include the production of iron vegetable racks, paper envelopes and office file folders. He also inspected the powerloom section, where blankets and other textile products are manufactured, as well as the prison tailoring unit.

Vijay personally examined the food being served to inmates as part of his review of prison facilities.

Inspection at Puzhal police station

After completing his visit to the prison, Vijay went to the M-3 Puzhal police station.

He reviewed the functioning of the police station with the inspector and examined official registers maintained at the station. The Chief Minister also inspected the sub-inspector's room, computer room and lock-up facilities.

Director General of Police and Director of Prisons and Correctional Services Sandeep Rai Rathore, Deputy Inspector General of Prisons (Chennai Range) T Palani, Prison Superintendent Krishnaraj and other senior officials accompanied Vijay during the inspections.