How Did Rape-Murder Convict Govindachamy Escape from Kerala’s Kannur Central Jail?
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Synopsis
In a dramatic turn of events, notorious convict Govindachamy escapes from a high-security prison in Kerala. This incident raises serious questions about prison security protocols and the circumstances surrounding his escape. As authorities scramble to recapture him, the implications of this breach are far-reaching.
Key Takeaways
- Security protocols at high-security prisons are under scrutiny.
- Govindachamy has a history of violent crimes.
- Authorities are investigating possible collusion in the escape.
- Public safety is a major concern following this incident.
- Calls for reform in the prison system are growing.
Kannur, July 25 (NationPress) In a shocking security breach, one of Kerala’s most infamous criminals, Govindachamy, made his escape from the high-security Kannur prison at approximately 1:15 a.m. on Friday.
This significant security failure was reported to the jail authorities around 5 a.m. and was communicated to local police in Kannur two hours later.
Reports indicate that during the jailbreak, power was cut off.
Govindachamy is serving a life sentence for the rape and murder of a 23-year-old woman.
By dawn, a long cloth rope was discovered hanging from the prison compound wall, which stands over 25 feet tall, perplexing observers about how a one-handed individual could scale such a wall, especially one with an electric fence.
The Kannur jail features a specialized high-security section containing 68 cells, from which this notorious criminal managed to flee.
High-ranking police officials in Kannur are astounded by this incident, and State Police Chief Revada Chandrasekhar is currently overseeing efforts to recapture the fugitive.
The Kerala High Court upheld a fast-track court’s ruling in December 2013, confirming that Govindachamy had robbed and pushed 23-year-old Soumya, a resident of Shoranur, from the Ernakulam-Shoranur passenger train on February 1, 2011.
She was brutally raped and assaulted. Railway police found Soumya near the tracks, but she succumbed to her injuries at the Government Medical College in Thrissur on February 6, 2011.
Prior to this, Govindachamy had been convicted in eight cases in his home state of Tamil Nadu.
A fast-track court sentenced him to death in 2012, labeling him a habitual offender and noting that the brutality of the rape contributed to the victim's death, shocking society.
This death sentence was upheld by the High Court two years later, prompting him to appeal to the Supreme Court.
In 2016, the Supreme Court commuted his death sentence to a seven-year prison term by dropping the murder charge, although the life sentence remained intact.
Soumya’s mother expressed profound disappointment over the jailbreak, stating, “How could this occur in such a high-security facility with all the CCTV protocols? This implies he has received assistance from some quarters, which is disheartening.”
Ashraf, the police officer responsible for capturing the notorious criminal in 2011, expressed his long-standing fears that this habitual offender might escape.
Former state BJP president K. Surendran vehemently criticized the government and police, asserting that the escape was not a mere act of jumping out but rather a facilitated escape.
“There is a significant conspiracy at play, as the one-handed Govindachamy was allowed to flee. The Kannur jail is overseen by a jail committee that includes prominent CPI(M) leaders such as P. Jayarajan,” Surendran stated.
Point of View
This incident underscores serious vulnerabilities in the prison system, calling for an urgent review of security measures. The escape of such a dangerous individual not only poses a threat to the public but also highlights the need for accountability within the justice system.
NationPress
26/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What crime was Govindachamy convicted of?
Govindachamy was convicted of the rape and murder of a 23-year-old woman named Soumya, who was pushed from a train in 2011.
How did Govindachamy manage to escape?
Reports suggest that power was cut off during his escape, allowing him to use a cloth rope to scale the prison wall.
What is being done to recapture Govindachamy?
Authorities, led by State Police Chief Revada Chandrasekhar, are actively working to locate and apprehend him.
What was Soumya's fate after the incident?
Soumya succumbed to her injuries at the Government Medical College in Thrissur five days after the attack.
What has been the reaction of Soumya’s family?
Soumya’s mother expressed deep disappointment and concern about the circumstances surrounding the jailbreak.
