All favourable conditions for jail break; empty chairs for prison security; less than 10 staff for security in each shift

Monday 28 July, 2025 | 12:57 AM READ MALAYALAM VERSION

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: There are indications that the reason for the security lapses in Kerala's prisons is due to the lack of sufficient staff. The situation in Kannur, Viyyur and Poojappura central prisons is deplorable. The Central Jail in Tavanur, which started functioning in 2022, is comparatively better.

The officers have to work up to 16 hours. There will be no staff for security and surveillance duties when officers are assigned to e-office work, video conferencing, ministerial work, manufacturing unit work, and court travel.

Govindachamy had all the favourable conditions for jailbreak in Kannur. There was no one to watch the CCTV, which was supposed to be monitored 24 hours a day. The inspection inside the cell was also not done properly. Those who patrolled to constantly monitor the problematic prisoners used to take breaks in between when they had to stay on duty for more than 10 hours.

Kerala's prisons have the capacity to accommodate only 7367 prisoners. There are currently 10,375. Work is done in three shifts. Central jails require 5,187 Assistant Prison Officers in proportion to the number of prisoners. There are 1284 Assistant Prison Officers. The posts are determined based on the accommodation capacity. 50 Assistant Prison Officer posts are currently vacant. There are 447 Deputy Prison Officer posts available.

Electric fencing

Electric fencing has not been operational in Poojappura Central Jail for two years. The explanation is that there is no one to take tenders. The situation is the same in jails including Kannur and Viyyur. It was recently made operational in Viyyur High Security Jail.

👉Prisoners and Staff

Poojappura Jail

Prisoners: 1650

Total capacity: 727

Assistant Prison Officers: 167

Deputy Prison Officers: 56

Security per shift: Less than 10

Viyyur High Security Jail

Total capacity: 600

Prisoners: 300

(This is where Govindachamy was brought)

Assistant Prison Officers: 31