Notorious Criminal Balamurugan Escapes Custody in Thrissur; CCTV Footage Reveals Police Negligence

CCTV footage of notorious criminal Balamurugan, who escaped from Tamil Nadu Police custody in Thrissur, has been released. The visuals of Balamurugan were captured on the CCTV of a hotel in Alathur where he had stopped to eat. The footage clearly shows Balamurugan walking out without handcuffs, indicating extreme negligence on the part of the police.

Balamurugan had escaped from Tamil Nadu Police custody the previous day. The released footage confirms that the Tamil Nadu Police showed extreme carelessness while bringing out the accused, who faces numerous charges including murder.

The visuals distinctly show the police failing to provide adequate security for Balamurugan. In the video, Balamurugan is seen wearing a light blue and black checked shirt. However, the Tamil Nadu Police had informed Kerala Police that Balamurugan was wearing a black shirt and white dhoti at the time of his escape.

A serious lapse was also noted as the Tamil Nadu Police transported Balamurugan in a private vehicle to Viyyur. Information suggests that Balamurugan escaped between 2:45 PM and 3:30 PM while hidden within the jail premises. He subsequently stole a jail employee’s bicycle to facilitate his escape.

Four teams have been formed and are currently conducting searches in Thrissur city and its district borders. The police have not yet apprehended Balamurugan, and efforts to locate him are ongoing.

Balamurugan, a native of Tenkasi, is an accused in 53 cases, including murder. The Tamil Nadu Police had taken him from Viyyur Jail on Saturday in connection with a case in Banthakudi. Sub-Inspector Nagarajan and two other police officers were escorting him back when the accused escaped. Balamurugan is also an accused in a theft case in Marayoor.