Pitched battles between prisoners and the warders began in the premises of the over 200-year-old prison at around 8 am, soon after the prisoners came to know of the death of a detenu, `Boxer' Vadivelu, in the early hours today.

The deputy warder, Jayakumar, was burnt alive when some of the inmates set fire to the remittance room where jail records were kept. Over 60 injured prisoners and ten policemen were undergoing treatment at the general hospital. In the Kilpauk Medical College hospital, 38 prisoners were receiving treatment, according to hospital sources.

The prisoners, who went on a rampage, threw stones and wooden logs at the warders and the police from the roof of the prison building and trees in the complex. Police retaliated by firing tear gas shells, but when thesituation got out of control, they opened fire.

Many fell to the bullets, even as warders tried to chase away the prisoners. Inmates said they were dragged out of the cells and beaten up with lathis, causing head injuries and fractures. The firing, which started around 9.50 am, continued for more than 90 minutes.

Injured prisoners at the Government General Hospital told The Indian Express that Vadivelu (35), detained under the Goondas Act, had been beaten up by the police. They disputed the police version that he was taken to the hospital for treatment of dysentery and stomach ache.

None of the officials were willing to confirm the number of deaths or the injured. Law Minister Aladi Aruna, who visited the prison, said that the incident was unfortunate but declined to elaborate further. He said the Assembly, which was in session, would be informed.

Jail authorities and the police were mum on the incident, even as prisoners charged that the toll could be higher.

Two days ago, Vadivelu wastaken to hospital after he complained of stomach ache and was brought back the same day. When he complained of pain again toady, the prison authorities took him to the GH. Prisoners claimed he died on his way, but hospital sources said he died in the hospital.

When news spread about his death, a section of prisoners who were out of their cells at around 6 am for the usual roll call, raised slogans against the police. Soon their number swelled.