Kerala CM Orders High-Level Probe After Convict's Escape from Kannur Jail

Last Updated Jul - 26 - 2025, 05:32 PM | Source : Fela News

Following the escape of rape-murder convict Govindachamy from Kannur Jail, CM Pinarayi Vijayan has ordered a special probe, upgrades to prison security, staff t

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has ordered a thorough investigation into the escape of Govindachamy, who was convicted of the 2011 rape and murder of a 23-year-old woman. Govindachamy managed to flee from the high-security block of Kannur Central Prison early on Friday (July 25, 2025), but was apprehended by police within a few hours. Alongside the ongoing police inquiry and departmental reviews, a special team led by retired Kerala High Court Judge Justice C.N. Ramachandran Nair and former State Police Chief Jacob Punnoose will conduct a comprehensive probe.

The Chief Minister convened a high-level meeting following the incident and stated that the breach in security at Kannur Central Jail is a grave matter requiring in-depth scrutiny and immediate corrective action. As part of the response, all four major jails in Kerala will have electric fencing fully activated within three months. Additionally, high-resolution intelligent CCTV systems will be installed promptly in these prisons.

To curb complacency and prevent internal lapses, jail staff who have served in one location for over five years will be transferred. Internal intelligence operations within prisons will also be strengthened. For high-risk convicts, inter-State jail transfers are under consideration. The video conferencing infrastructure in jails will be upgraded, and improved facilities for inmates will be introduced.

Given the problem of overcrowding in prisons, the government plans to establish a new central jail. Suitable land will be identified in Kottayam and Pathanamthitta districts for this purpose. The Chief Minister also instructed that all investigations related to the prison escape be completed swiftly.

The meeting was attended by key officials including Chief Secretary Dr. A. Jayathilak, State Police Chief Ravada A. Chandrasekhar, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Bishwanath Sinha, PWD Secretary K. Biju, Prisons Chief Balram Kumar Upadhyay, and Additional DGP (Intelligence) P. Vijayan.