Three officials under suspension, Q branch takes over search for Balamurugan

THRISSUR: Three officials have been suspended in connection with the escape of notorious criminal Balamurugan from police custody. Three officials including sub inspector Nagarajan of Pandalgudi station of Virudhunagar district in Tamil Nadu were suspended. The Q branch has taken over the investigation to find Balamurugan. He escaped from the hands of the police on the night of November 3. Though a search was intensified for him, no information was obtained.

Despite being caught by the Kerala police who conducted a search at night, the accused managed to escape through the swamp. There are also allegations that Balamurugan was brought without adequate security. CCTV footage of Balamurugan escaping has also been released. The visuals of him walking with police without handcuffs was also obtained.

In addition, the Tamil Nadu police gave incorrect information about the clothes he was wearing. The Tamil Nadu police said that he was wearing a black shirt and a white mundu. However, Balamurugan was wearing a light blue shirt in the footage. The footage is from a hotel at Alathur in Palakkad.

Balamurugan (44) of Kadayam inTamil Nadu, is an accused in 53 cases, including robbery and attempt to murder. He had previously escaped from a Tamil Nadu police vehicle in a similar way. He escaped on a stolen bike that day. In 2021, the Kerala police arrested Balamurugan from Marayur in a robbery case in Tamil Nadu. After his release, Balamurugan took revenge by committing a series of thefts within the limits of Marayoor police station. He was in Viyyur jail after being arrested by the Kerala police. In the meantime, he was taken to be produced in court in connection with a case in Tamil Nadu.