The State Crime Branch has officially taken charge of the investigation into the dramatic escape of Govindachamy, a notorious convict in a rape and murder case, from Kannur Central Jail. A thorough inquiry is set to commence on Thursday, September 25, 2025. The agency will delve into potential security failures and any possible external or internal help that facilitated the jailbreak.
Govindachamy’s escape occurred in the early hours of July 25, but his freedom was short-lived as the Kannur Town police apprehended him just hours later. Initially, local police handled the case, but it was subsequently transferred to the Crime Branch following a directive from the State Police Chief a fortnight ago.
Kannur Town Inspector Sreejith Koderi has since transferred all case documents to Kannur Crime Branch SP P. Balakrishnan Nair, who has conducted an initial review of the extensive files.
As part of their detailed probe, the Crime Branch has formally requested court permission to interrogate Govindachamy, who is currently held at Viyyur Jail in Thrissur. Officials have indicated that the accused will be questioned within the prison premises, and if necessary, a request for his physical custody will be made. Additionally, prison staff and other inmates will also undergo questioning to gather all relevant information.
The investigation aims to uncover crucial details, including whether the convict managed to cut through the iron bars of his cell independently, if others aided him in his escape, and if there were any procedural lapses in the initial police investigation.
Govindachamy is a life convict, sentenced in 2011 for the horrific rape and murder of a 23-year-old woman. On February 1 of that year, he attacked the victim inside a women’s compartment of the Ernakulam-Shornur passenger train. The brutal assault continued outside the train, ultimately leading to her death on February 6. While he was initially handed a death sentence, his punishment was later commuted to life imprisonment.