Latest news with #Govindachamy
The Hindu
3 hours ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Dead fences and crumbling walls, Kerala's prisons vulnerable to more breaches
The escape of rape and murder convict Govindachamy from the Kannur Central Prison has exposed deep-rooted lapses in Kerala's prison security system, where outdated infrastructure and administrative inertia have long gone unaddressed. The electric fencing at the prison, meant to deter such breakouts, has not been functioning for nearly three years. This is not an isolated lapse. Except for the Viyyur Central Prison and the adjacent High Security Prison, all central prisons in the State suffer from similar vulnerabilities. Sources point to chronic underfunding and poor interdepartmental coordination as key reasons delaying much-needed security upgrades of prison facilities. While electric fencing has been installed around the central prisons, except the Thavanur Central Prison and the High Security Prison, several years ago, the absence of live power supply has rendered these systems ineffective. At the Poojappura Central Prison, the fencing has been inoperative for nearly two years. The issue stems from expired annual maintenance contracts (AMC) and persistent delays by implementing agencies, including the Public Works department, in preparing repair estimates. Even the High Security Prison stares at a similar situation, with its AMC having lapsed. Compounding the problem, the lack of periodic maintenance has also hampered the surveillance infrastructure within prisons, as many CCTV cameras lack technical support. Further exposing prisons to more potential jailbreaks, boundary walls in certain facilities are crumbling, forcing prison superintendents fund makeshift repairs using their own funds. These challenges are particularly acute in ageing institutions built during the British era. The situation has been exacerbated by Kerala's ongoing fiscal crisis. The government had allocated ₹20 crore in the last State Budget for prison upgrades, despite proposals for nearly ₹100 crore being submitted. Half of the allocated amount was later slashed due to budgetary constraints, further straining prison resources. The Kerala Prisons and Correctional Services has now pinned its hopes on the decisions taken at a recent meeting chaired by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan that resolved to make electric fences fully operational in all major prisons. The prison authorities have also expedited the ongoing security audit of its correctional facilities. At present, the periodic assessment is complete in 39 prisons, with steps under way to conduct the exercise in the remaining 18. Director General of Prisons and Correctional Services Balram Kumar Upadhyay told The Hindu that a number of steps are being planned to enhance security measures. 'Electric fencing will be the top priority for all central prisons. In addition, we will soon install 340 more CCTV cameras across jails to strengthen the existing network of nearly 1,500 cameras,' he says. To improve night-time security, high-mast lighting has already been installed on five major prison complexes. 'We are looking into every aspect (of security vulnerabilities) after the incident. Security measures are being reassessed. We hope to implement the upgraded measures within a couple of months,' he says. Sources indicate that the Home department is also exploring new technologies, including motion-sensing surveillance systems. The possibility of partnering with start-ups to pilot motion sensors is also being explored to detect unauthorised movement and potential breaches.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
Govindachamy case: Officer axed for execution remark
Thiruvananthapuram: In a dramatic fallout of the recent jailbreak by rape-and-murder convict Govindachamy from Kannur Central Prison, Kerala prisons and correctional services department suspended an officer who gave a television interview alleging serious threats and criminal conspiracies and even volunteered to serve as the escapee's executioner. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Deputy prison officer at Kottarakkara special sub-jail Abdul Sattar I appeared on a television channel on July 26 —a day after Govindachamy's escape and recapture— to share startling details about the convict's past and alleged intentions. Sattar's appearance, without prior departmental clearance, triggered swift disciplinary action from DIG (prisons and correctional services-south zone), citing gross misconduct and violation of service rules. In the interview, Sattar said Govindachamy long intended to escape from prison and warned officers that if anyone tried to stop him, he would retaliate by invading their homes, tying them up and sexually assaulting their families. Some inmates informed prison officials about Govindachamy's connections to stolen gold hidden in Coimbatore crematoriums, Sattar said. He hinted at a possible network protecting Govindachamy. In a remark that raised both legal and ethical concerns, Sattar said it would have been better if Govindachamy was executed earlier and, if needed, he himself was willing to be the executioner. The suspension order said such unvetted revelations on a public platform have the potential to deeply embarrass the department, demoralise fellow officers and expose sensitive procedural failures. The DIG's communication referenced Rule 62 of Kerala Govt Servants Conduct Rules and a circular issued on April 22 this year (No. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now 06/2025), which prohibits prison officials from engaging with the media without formal approval. The remarks sparked a wider conversation, both within govt circles and in public discourse, about professional responsibility and the boundaries of free expression for uniformed personnel. Sattar, who has been reportedly under scrutiny recently over other controversies, will remain under suspension pending further inquiry.
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Hindustan Times
Kerala prison officer suspended over remarks on notorious convict
Thiruvananthapuram, The Kerala Home Department on Sunday suspended a senior prison officer citing gross indiscipline over some of his revelations in connection with a notorious convict, who escaped from the Kannur central prison two days ago and was caught later. Kerala prison officer suspended over remarks on notorious convict Abdul Sathar I, who was serving as a Deputy Prison Officer at the special sub-jail in Kottarakara, was suspended from the service with immediate effect by the Deputy Inspector General of Prisons, according to a government order. The copy of the order was issued to the media by the Chief Minister's Office . In the order, it was mentioned that the officer, while talking to a Malayalam television channel recently, said that Govindachamy, alias Govindaswamy , who escaped from Kannur Central Jail on Friday, had declared much before that he would jump the prison. The officer claimed that the notorious convict, serving a life term in the sensational 2011 Soumya murder case, had threatened to rape his family members if he escaped from the jail. During the TV interview, the jail official further said that it was better that Govindachamy be killed and if there was no executioner, he himself was ready to become the hangman. The order pointed out that at a time when negative reports galore against the department, the statements of the particular officer have put it in more trouble and amounted to demoralise other officials. The statements were in violation of various provisions of the government officials' service rules and a circular in connection with prison rules. Stating that the official was already facing probe over some other issues, the order also made it clear that his actions were gross breach of discipline. Govindachamy escaped from Kannur Central Jail on July 25 between 4.15 am and 6.30 am and was recaptured within city limits at around 9.30 am. He was shifted to Viyyur Central Jail in Thrissur on July 26 following the incident. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Saturday ordered a comprehensive investigation into the jailbreak from Kannur Central Prison by Govindachamy. A 23-year-old woman from Manjakkad near Shornur, was raped and murdered by Govindachamy while travelling on a passenger train from Ernakulam to Shornur on February 1, 2011. He was later convicted in the case. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
The Hindu
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Prison official suspended for public remarks on Govindachamy's jailbreak
Amid mounting criticism over systemic failures in the prison system following the sensational escape of rape and murder convict Govindachamy from the Kannur Central Prison, the Kerala government on Sunday suspended a prison official for publicly commenting on the case. The disciplinary action comes even as multi-pronged investigations are under way into the high-profile security breach that caught the law enforcement and prisons administration off-guard. Deputy Inspector General of Prisons (South Zone) Dinesh B. has ordered the immediate suspension of Abdul Sattar A., Deputy Prison Officer of Kottarakara Special Sub-Jail, pending inquiry, over his recent conduct and remarks made on a news channel. The statements in question relate to the escape by Govindachamy on Friday. According to the suspension order, Mr. Sattar allegedly made alarming claims, including that the convict had threatened to jump the jail and vowed to harm the officer's family if he escaped. He further claimed that stolen gold linked to the inmate had been hidden in graveyards in Coimbatore, and that these were being handled by certain people who purportedly backed Govindachamy in his case. Claiming that Govindachamy had harassed numerous women prior to his arrest, Mr. Sattar went on to express a desire that the convict should be executed, even claiming that he would be willing to serve as the executioner if needed. The order, which also stated that Mr. Sattar has previously been involved in several instances of misconduct, held that the condemnable statements have tarnished the department's image and violated Rule 62 of the Kerala Government Servants' Conduct Rules as well as a circular issued by the Kerala Prisons and Correctional Services. The department also emphasised that such conduct undermines public trust and professionalism expected of the prison staff. Probe instituted Three prison officers of the Kannur Central Prison had been suspended in the immediate aftermath of the jailbreak, with the government also instituting a special inquiry led by former Kerala High Court judge C.N. Ramachandran Nair and former State Police Chief Jacob Punnoose. The Opposition has raised allegations of security lapses and systemic negligence.
News18
2 days ago
- News18
Kerala prison officer suspended over remarks on notorious convict
Thiruvananthapuram, Jul 27 (PTI) The Kerala Home Department on Sunday suspended a senior prison officer citing gross indiscipline over some of his revelations in connection with a notorious convict, who escaped from the Kannur central prison two days ago and was caught later. Abdul Sathar I, who was serving as a Deputy Prison Officer at the special sub-jail in Kottarakara, was suspended from the service with immediate effect by the Deputy Inspector General of Prisons, according to a government order. The copy of the order was issued to the media by the Chief Minister's Office (CMO). In the order, it was mentioned that the officer, while talking to a Malayalam television channel recently, said that Govindachamy, alias Govindaswamy (41), who escaped from Kannur Central Jail on Friday, had declared much before that he would jump the prison. The officer claimed that the notorious convict, serving a life term in the sensational 2011 Soumya murder case, had threatened to rape his family members if he escaped from the jail. During the TV interview, the jail official further said that it was better that Govindachamy be killed and if there was no executioner, he himself was ready to become the hangman. The order pointed out that at a time when negative reports galore against the department, the statements of the particular officer have put it in more trouble and amounted to demoralise other officials. The statements were in violation of various provisions of the government officials' service rules and a circular in connection with prison rules. Stating that the official was already facing probe over some other issues, the order also made it clear that his actions were gross breach of discipline. Govindachamy escaped from Kannur Central Jail on July 25 between 4.15 am and 6.30 am and was recaptured within city limits at around 9.30 am. He was shifted to Viyyur Central Jail in Thrissur on July 26 following the incident. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Saturday ordered a comprehensive investigation into the jailbreak from Kannur Central Prison by Govindachamy. A 23-year-old woman from Manjakkad near Shornur, was raped and murdered by Govindachamy while travelling on a passenger train from Ernakulam to Shornur on February 1, 2011. He was later convicted in the case. PTI LGK KH view comments First Published: July 27, 2025, 21:15 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
