Rape-Murder Convict Escapes From High-Security Kerala Jail, Caught Hours Later In Nearby Well

Govindachamy was convicted in the brutal 2011 rape and death of 23-year-old Soumya who was attacked while traveling alone on a train from Ernakulam to Shoranur.

Govindachamy, the convict serving a life sentence in the high-profile Soumya rape and death case, escaped from the high-security cell of Kannur Central Jail in the early hours of Friday, triggering a massive manhunt across Kerala. The jailbreak was confirmed by prison officials.

According to authorities, Govindachamy—also known by the alias Charley Thomas—managed to cut through the iron bars of his cell in one of the most secure sections of the prison. His absence was found during a routine inspection around 7:15 AM, as per a report on Manorama. At the time of his escape, he was clad in standard prison clothing.

The Kerala Police launched an intensive search operation and urged the public to report any sightings. A helpline number (9446899506) was issued for tip-offs, reported Mathrubhumi. The breach raised serious concerns about the robustness of prison security in facilities meant to detain high-risk inmates.

 

Three Officers Suspended

Three officers from Kannur Central Prison were suspended with immediate effect following the escape of convict Govindachami. The suspension order was issued by the DIG (Prisons), North Zone, as part of the initial disciplinary action in the case.

Hours later, Govindachamy was found hiding in a well, less than 2 km away from the prison. The well was located behind the National Sample Survey office at Talap in Kannur.

Who Is Govindachamy? 2011 Sowmya Case Accused

Govindachamy was convicted in the brutal 2011 rape and death of 23-year-old Soumya, who was attacked while traveling alone on a train from Ernakulam to Shoranur. The crime drew national outrage and led to a fast-tracked trial. In 2012, a special court in Thrissur sentenced him to death, a verdict later upheld by the Kerala High Court.

Govindachamy, a native of Tamil Nadu with a prior criminal record, was held in one of Kerala’s most fortified prisons following his sentencing. 

However, in 2016, the Supreme Court of India commuted the sentence to life imprisonment, citing lack of evidence to conclusively establish intent to murder. While the rape conviction stood, the apex court ruled out the murder charge.