AI cameras to monitor staff and inmates, central prisons to get high-tech security; committee to probe Govindachamy jailbreak
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Following the jailbreak of notorious criminal Govindachamy, who was kept under high security, the Kerala government has decided to install AI-powered cameras in central prisons to monitor both prison staff and inmates simultaneously.
These AI-enabled CCTV cameras, capable of recording even at night, can also be linked to the electric fencing on prison walls. If an escape attempt is detected, an alarm will sound, and senior officials will receive alerts on their phones.
Within three months, electric fencing on the perimeter walls of Poojappura, Kannur, Viyyur, and Tavanur central prisons will be made fully operational. At Kannur Central Prison, the electric fence installed by Kinfra had malfunctioned soon after installation and was never repaired.
The video conferencing facilities in prisons will be upgraded, and intelligence operations inside prisons will be made more efficient. The decision was made during a high-level meeting convened by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in the wake of Govindachamy’s jailbreak.
A committee comprising retired High Court judge Justice C.N. Ramachandran Nair and former State Police Chief Jacob Punnoose has been appointed to investigate the Kannur Central Prison jailbreak. This is in addition to the ongoing police and departmental inquiries.
New central prison
Due to overcrowding in existing central prisons, the government will construct a new central prison, with land to be identified in the Kottayam and Pathanamthitta regions. The decision follows Kerala Kaumudi’s reports highlighting overcrowding and related issues.
Prison staff will no longer be allowed to remain in the same location indefinitely; those completing five years of service at one facility will be transferred. High-security prisoners, including hardened criminals, will be housed in specialised facilities. The government is also considering transferring out-of-state prisoners to prisons in their respective states.
Chief Secretary Dr. A. Jayathilak, Police Chief Ravada Chandrashekhar, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Bishwanath Sinha, PWD Secretary K. Biju, Prisons Chief Balram Kumar Upadhyay, and Additional DGP (Intelligence) P. Vijayan attended the meeting.
Govindachamy lodged in solitary confinement at Viyyur Prison
Govindachamy is currently lodged in solitary confinement at Viyyur Central Prison. He is not allowed outside his cell, and food is served inside. Yesterday, being Saturday, his meal included mutton curry.
AI cameras
- The AI-powered cameras can detect inmate movements and alert senior officers even if prison staff are asleep.
- Faces of both staff and inmates will be pre-uploaded to the AI system. After cells are locked, the cameras will identify whether anyone outside is an inmate or an officer.
"The incident at Kannur Central Prison is extremely serious and must be thoroughly investigated. Action will be taken based on the findings, and inquiries must be completed swiftly."
— Pinarayi Vijayan, Chief Minister