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Update: Govindachamy was caught in Kannur six hours after the jailbreak
A man convicted of rape and grievous assault has escaped from Kannur Central Jail, triggering a massive search operation across Kerala. Govindachamy, also known as Charley Thomas, was serving a life sentence for the brutal rape and killing of a 23-year-old woman. He had been held in a high-security single cell but reportedly broke out of prison in the early hours of Friday, July 25.
Police have launched a statewide manhunt, intensifying checks at railway stations and bus terminals. CCTV footage from areas surrounding the jail is being examined as part of the investigation.
According to reports the convict escaped from jail in the early hours of Friday, but police only noticed his absence in the morning.
Authorities said he used a woolen blanket and another blanket to climb and jump off the jail wall. He also cut through the cell’s iron bars.
Questions are being raised on how he managed to escape prison and if he received any help. The crime against the 23 year old was one that had shocked Kerala. Things had taken an intriguing turn when high-profile lawyer BA Aloor represented Govinachamy in the Supreme Court.
It was then rumoured that he had links with the underworld. “How is that anyone’s concern? I charge Rs 5 lakh per criminal case and my duty is only to represent my client. Since I have represented him in three courts, the charges have exceeded Rs 15 lakhs, but that is not of anyone's concern,” Aloor had told The News Minute after the SC judgment came.
Aloor said that certain people who wanted to help Govindachami had approached him.
The victim was a salesgirl from Thrissur. On February 1, 2011, she was travelling in the ladies’ compartment of the Ernakulam-Shoranur passenger train when Govindachamy—who was known to frequent trains to beg and had only one arm—entered the compartment, attacked her, and robbed her.
The victim was found lying unconscious and critically injured in a forested area near Vallathol railway station. She succumbed to her injuries five days later at the Thrissur Government Medical College. According to the prosecution, Govindachamy pushed her off the moving train, dragged her into the woods, raped and murdered her.
In October 2011, a fast-track court in Thrissur convicted him of both rape and murder and awarded him the death penalty. While the Kerala High Court upheld the sentence, the Supreme Court commuted it to life imprisonment. The Apex court held that the evidence to prove the young woman had been pushed off the train was inconclusive.
Govindachamy had been lodged in Kannur Central Jail ever since.
Police have released the latest photograph of Govindachamy and urged the public to assist in tracing him. He was reportedly clad in his jail uniform at the time of the escape. Authorities have appealed to citizens to remain alert and immediately report any sightings or information related to the fugitive by contacting 9446899506.