Soumya murder case: Kerala rape-murder convict Govindachamy caught after jailbreak

Govindachamy, the convict in the 2011 Soumya rape-murder case, who escaped from Kannur Central Jail on Friday, has been recaptured, media reports said.

The 49-year-old reportedly hid inside a well after spotting police, but was tracked down and taken back into custody.

His escape came to light during a routine headcount around 7:15 am (local time). Kannur Town Police were alerted shortly after, triggering a swift manhunt.

A native of Tamil Nadu, Govindachamy was serving a life sentence for the rape and murder of 23-year-old Soumya, who was attacked while travelling alone on a train from Ernakulam to Shoranur on 1 February 2011.

The case had sparked national outrage and remains one of Kerala’s most haunting crimes.

How the jailbreak unfolded

Govindachamy, the convict in the Soumya rape-murder case, allegedly sawed through the iron bars of his high-security cell and escaped using a rope made of knotted prison clothes, according to Mathrubhumi. The escape reportedly occurred around 1.15am on Friday.

The 7.5-metre-high prison wall was topped with an electric fence, which officials suspect may have been deactivated — a key angle now under probe.

Jail staff noticed a makeshift rope hanging from the wall during early morning rounds and confirmed his absence during a 7am headcount.

Police released Govindachamy’s latest photograph and urged the public to share any leads. He was reportedly wearing his prison uniform at the time. Members of the public were asked to contact 94468 99506 with any information.

How he was caught

According to Manorama News, the fugitive was tracked down within hours to a location in Kannur. Spotting the police, Govindachamy tried to hide inside a well but was quickly nabbed and taken back into custody.

A Special Investigation Team has been formed to probe the breach. Searches were conducted at railway stations, bus terminals, and nearby areas, while CCTV footage was also reviewed.

Victim’s family alleges foul play

Speaking to Manorama News, the mother of the victim, Soumya, alleged that Govindachamy may have received help from police in orchestrating the jailbreak. She demanded immediate re-arrest and called for the death penalty, criticising the 2016 Supreme Court ruling that commuted his original death sentence to life imprisonment.

Who is Govindachamy?

Govindachamy, a physically disabled repeat offender from Virudhachalam in Tamil Nadu, had a long history of theft and mugging cases in Salem before his arrest by Kerala Police. His conviction in the Soumya case marked one of the most high-profile criminal verdicts in the state.

The 2011 case that shocked Kerala

On February 1, 2011, 23-year-old Soumya, a salesgirl from Kochi, was travelling home alone in a women's coach on a passenger train from Ernakulam to Shoranur. Govindachamy assaulted her, pushed her out of the moving train, and later raped her after jumping off the train himself. Soumya succumbed to her injuries at a government hospital days later.

The incident sparked widespread outrage and protests, highlighting the urgent need for stronger protections for women on public transport.

Legal history: From death penalty to life imprisonment

Govindachamy was initially sentenced to death by a fast-track court in Thrissur in 2012, a verdict upheld by the Kerala High Court in 2014. However, in 2016, the Supreme Court set aside the murder charge, citing insufficient evidence of intent to kill, and commuted the sentence to life imprisonment.

Timeline: Soumya case and recent jailbreak

February 1, 2011 — Attack on the train

Soumya, 23, a shopping mall employee from Kochi, was travelling alone in a near-empty women’s coach on the Ernakulam–Shoranur passenger train. Govindachamy unlawfully entered, assaulted her, and pushed her out near Vallathol Nagar station.

Aftermath — Assault and injuries

After jumping off the train, Govindachamy raped Soumya and fled. She suffered severe injuries and died at a government hospital on February 6, 2011.

Expert dissent — Forensic evidence

The doctor, who conducted the autopsy, stated Soumya’s death was not accidental, citing six serious head injuries inconsistent with a fall, indicating deliberate trauma.

November, 2011 — Initial conviction and death sentence

The Thrissur Fast Track Court convicted Govindachamy of murder, rape, robbery, and grievous hurt, sentencing him to death amid public demand for justice.

2013 — Kerala High Court upholds death penalty

The High Court described the crime as “brutal and savage” and upheld the death sentence without considering a lesser punishment.

September 2016 — Supreme Court reduces sentence

The Supreme Court overturned the murder conviction due to insufficient proof of intent to kill. Govindachamy’s sentence was commuted to life imprisonment for rape and concurrent terms for other offences.

2017 — Supreme Court rejects review petitions

Despite public anger and state government appeals, the Supreme Court dismissed review and curative petitions, confirming the life sentence.

July 2025 — Jailbreak reported

Media confirmed that Govindachamy escaped from Kannur Central Jail on Friday. Details remain unclear, and a manhunt is underway.