Kerala Murder Accused Recaptured in Mumbai After Dramatic Escape from Mental Health Facility
The prime accused in the Perinthalmanna Drishya murder case, who had escaped from a government mental health centre in Kozhikode, was successfully recaptured and brought back to Kerala on Sunday. This development marks the end of a tense manhunt that spanned multiple states.
Details of the Escape and Subsequent Manhunt
Kunduparambil Vineesh, a 25-year-old from Uthuvelli, managed to flee from the forensic cell of the Kuthiravattom Government Mental Health Centre on December 30, 2025. This was not his first escape from the facility; he had previously broken out in August 2022 and was later apprehended in Dharmasthala, Karnataka.
Staff at the mental health centre discovered his absence during a routine night inspection. Investigations revealed that Vineesh had allegedly drilled a hole in the washroom and scaled the compound wall to make his getaway. He had been transferred to the Kuthiravattom facility from Kannur Central Jail just two weeks prior, following observations of mental health issues.
Life on the Run and Eventual Capture
During his time as a fugitive, Vineesh adopted the fake identity "Charly" and traveled to Mumbai to evade authorities. Police sources indicate that he took up various small jobs to sustain himself, including scrap collection and working as a fisherman. His efforts to maintain a low profile were ultimately thwarted when he attempted to contact friends via internet calls, which provided a crucial tip-off to law enforcement.
A special police team meticulously combed through hundreds of hours of CCTV footage, which led them to track his movements to Kalyan, near Mumbai. The operation culminated in his arrest near the CST railway station in Mumbai, a major transportation hub.
Background of the Crime and Family Concerns
The case dates back to June 2021, when Vineesh was accused of the brutal murder of 21-year-old Drishya, a second-year law student, at Elamkulam. The crime allegedly occurred after she rejected his romantic advances. Prior to the murder, he also set fire to a toy and stationery shop owned by Drishya's father in Perinthalmanna.
Following his escape, Drishya's family had publicly expressed grave concerns for their safety, highlighting the ongoing trauma and fear associated with the case. The recapture brings a measure of relief, though the legal proceedings are expected to continue.
Systemic and Security Implications
This incident raises significant questions about security protocols at mental health facilities housing high-risk inmates. The repeat escape of the same individual from the forensic cell points to potential vulnerabilities that authorities may need to address. The case underscores the challenges in balancing therapeutic care with stringent security measures for remand inmates exhibiting mental health issues.
The successful interstate operation demonstrates coordinated efforts between Kerala and Maharashtra police forces, utilizing digital surveillance and intelligence gathering to locate and apprehend the fugitive.
