Kerala: Soumya Murder Convict Escapes Kannur Jail, Caught

Soumya Murder

Govindachamy, the convict serving a life sentence for the 2011 rape and murder of Soumya, was apprehended on Friday morning—just hours after he escaped from Kannur Central Jail.

Early Morning Jailbreak Sparks Massive Hunt

The escape occurred in the early hours of July 25, prompting an urgent response from law enforcement.

Police launched an intensive search operation around Kannur Town, deploying the K-9 unit and multiple search teams to locate the fugitive.

Convict In 2011 Railway Rape & Murder Case

Govindachamy was convicted in one of Kerala’s most shocking crimes—a brutal attack on 23-year-old Soumya, who was assaulted while travelling alone on a passenger train from Ernakulam to Shoranur on February 1, 2011. The case triggered statewide protests and led to increased calls for safer public transport for women.

Public Alert Issued After Escape

Shortly after the jailbreak, the Office of the District Police Chief issued a wanted alert asking the public for help.

“The GOVINDA SWAMI C NO.46 (Accused in SOUMYA MURDER Case) escaped from Central Prison Kannur Friday morning. Anybody getting any information about the wanted criminal shall inform the following persons urgently. Identification mark: He does not have one arm,” the notice stated.

Back In Custody Within Hours

Police confirmed that Govindachamy was taken back into custody later in the morning. Authorities have not yet disclosed how he managed to escape from the high-security prison or where he was found. An inquiry into the security lapse is expected.

The prison break has raised serious concerns about security protocols at Kannur Central Jail. Officials are expected to submit a detailed report, and disciplinary action may follow based on the findings.