Soumya Rape-Murder Convict Escapes Kerala High-Security Jail, Manhunt Launched

Govindachamy, the convict serving a life sentence for the brutal 2011 rape and murder of 23-year-old Soumya, has escaped from the high-security Kannur Central Jail in Kerala, triggering a massive statewide manhunt on Friday. The brazen escape has sparked outrage and raised serious questions about security protocols within the prison system.

The escape was discovered during a routine cell inspection in the early hours of Friday morning. When jail authorities realized Govindachamy was missing, they launched an immediate search of the premises, but he was gone. Kannur Town Police were informed of the escape at 7 am and have initiated a large-scale search operation. CCTV footage has since surfaced showing the convict walking on a road after his escape.

Soumya’s mother, Sumathy, expressed profound shock and disbelief, suggesting that the escape was impossible without assistance. “Kannur jail is huge. How can he jump and escape from there? He can’t do that without support. It’s impossible. Someone inside is helping him. He has only one arm and the wall is huge,” she said, urging for his immediate capture.

The incident has also ignited a political firestorm. BJP state president K Surendran alleged critical failures in the prison system and questioned if the escape was orchestrated. “The notorious criminal escaped at 1 am. The prison authorities found out about it at 5 am. The police were informed at 7 am… There was electric fencing on the wall. The electricity was turned off when he escaped… Did he escape or was he helped to flee?” Surendran asked, pointing out that a local CPI(M) leader is on the prison advisory committee.

Govindachamy was convicted for the rape and murder of Soumya, who was attacked and pushed from a moving train between Ernakulam and Shoranur on February 1, 2011. Authorities have not yet officially commented on how he managed to breach the high-security facility.