Thrissur: Tamil Nadu police on Monday arrested Balamurugan, a history-sheeter who escaped from near Viyyur Jail in November. Officers took him into custody during a routine vehicle check in Oottumalai, Tenkasi district.

The Oottumalai police formally recorded his arrest and produced him before a court, which remanded him to custody. Officials said further procedures, including handing him over to the Thrissur City Police, would be decided later.

Balamurugan escaped on November 3 while Tamil Nadu police were bringing him back to Kerala after he was produced before a court in Virudhunagar. According to police, the escape occurred shortly after he was taken inside the Viyyur Jail compound.

Officers had briefly removed his handcuffs to allow him to relieve himself when he suddenly ran through a nearby vegetable garden towards the main road and disappeared. He was reportedly wearing a black shirt and a white mundu at the time.

Police said Balamurugan faces more than 50 criminal cases, including several murder cases. Sources described him as a repeat offender known for violent thefts and assaults. He had earlier escaped from Tamil Nadu police custody by jumping off a moving bus before being recaptured.

Meanwhile, Balamurugan’s wife died by suicide in Tenkasi. The deceased, identified as Josbin (35), allegedly attempted suicide along with her children by slashing her wrist. While Josbin died, the injured children were admitted to the hospital and are undergoing treatment.