A remand prisoner convicted for the brutal murder of law student Drishya in Perinthalmanna has escaped from a government-run mental health facility in Kozhikode, triggering a massive police search and raising serious security concerns.
Details of the Escape
The accused, identified as Kunduparambil Vineesh, a 25-year-old from Uthuvelli, fled from the forensic cell of the Kuthiravattom Government Mental Health Centre late on Monday night. Staff discovered his absence during a routine inspection around 11 pm.
Investigations revealed that Vineesh, who had been shifted to the mental health facility from Kannur Central Jail just two weeks ago due to exhibited psychological issues, engineered his escape by drilling a hole in the washroom. He subsequently used this opening to scale the compound wall and flee the premises.
A Repeat Escape and a Heinous Crime
This incident marks the second time Vineesh has escaped from the same mental health centre. His previous escape occurred in August 2022 from the forensic cell, after which he was later apprehended from Dharmasthala in Karnataka.
Vineesh is the prime accused in the shocking murder of 21-year-old Drishya, a second-year law student, in June 2021. The crime took place at Elamkulam after the victim had rejected his romantic advances. Prior to the murder, Vineesh had also set fire to a toy and stationery shop owned by Drishya's father in Perinthalmanna.
Police Response and Family's Anguish
Following the escape, law enforcement agencies have intensified their search operation, meticulously scanning CCTV footage from the vicinity and likely escape routes to track down the fugitive.
The news has plunged Drishya's family back into trauma and fear. They have expressed deep apprehension regarding their personal safety following Vineesh's escape from custody, highlighting the ongoing psychological impact of the tragedy.
