Govindachamy’s jailbreak: Two-member panel of former DGP & HC judge to probe, new central prison mooted
Chief Minister noted that Govindachamy’s escape from Kannur Jail was a serious issue.
Chief Minister noted that Govindachamy’s escape from Kannur Jail was a serious issue.
Chief Minister noted that Govindachamy’s escape from Kannur Jail was a serious issue.
Thiruvananthapuram: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has ordered a comprehensive probe into the escape of rape convict Govindachamy from Kannur Central Jail and Correctional Home. The Tamil Nadu native, who was sentenced to life imprisonment for the rape and murder of a 23-year-old woman in 2011, was apprehended by the police nearly four hours after his jailbreak on Friday. A Special Investigation Team of Police have already started probe into the incident on Friday itself.
In a press statement, the government announced that a two-member team including former Kerala High Court Judge, Retired Justice CN Ramachandran Nair, and former State Police Chief Jacob Punnoose—will carry out the investigation.
An emergency high-level meeting chaired by the Chief Minister on Saturday discussed major reforms for tightening the security of the prisons.
As overcrowding in prisons became a major issue, the government has decided to establish a new central jail either in Kottayam or Pathanamthitta. According to reports, most prisons are currently accommodating convicts beyond their capacity.
Crucial decisions were also taken to tighten surveillance at central jails across the state.
Addressing the meeting, the Chief Minister noted that Govindachamy’s escape from Kannur Jail was a serious issue that must be examined thoroughly, and proper action must be initiated. He instructed officials to ensure that electric fences at all four central jails in the state are fully operational. Advanced CCTV systems capable of capturing clearer visuals will also be installed in these prisons.
Prison staff will be rotated to new jails every five years. Currently, notorious criminals are housed in high-security prisons within the state. The government is considering transferring such convicts to interstate prisons.
Intelligence operations will be intensified inside the prisons to prevent jailbreaks and curb illegal activities by convicts. The high-level meeting also decided to improve video conferencing facilities in jails and provide better amenities for inmates in each prison.