Notorious criminal Govindachamy jumps jail; escaped using cloth, widespread search

KANNUR: Govindachamy, who was serving a life sentence for rape and murder of a woman, has jumped from the jail. He was in the Kannur Central Jail. He was found missing from the cell when examined Friday morning, said the jail authorities.

He is likely to have jumped from the jail early morning at around 1.15 am. The authorities came to know about his escape around 7 am. He was in the 10th block. He cut the cell of the jail and escaped. He jumped the jail using a rope made from a cloth. The jail authorities are examining the CCTV footage. The jail authorities have also released a new picture of the accused in a white shirt.

The jail authorities have informed that anyone getting any information about the accused should contact 9446899506. People including the jail DGP have reached the jail. The police are conducting extensive searches in the area. The accused was serving a life sentence in the case. His death sentence was earlier cancelled by the Supreme Court.

Govindachamy sexually abused the woman on February 1, 2011. She was an employee of a private company in Kochi. She was returning home in the train after work. Govindachamy pushed the woman, who was alone in the women's compartment, out of the train, dragged her into the bushes and raped her. She died on February 6 while undergoing treatment at Thrissur Medical College.

Govindachamy is a native of Virudachalam in Tamil Nadu. He is also known as Charley Thomas. He is accused in several cases in Tamil Nadu, including theft.