‘Ended hunger strike on smelling mutton curry; insisted on porotta, chicken and even cannabis’: Govindachamy shows no remorse after 13 yrs in jail

Kannur: Even after serving over a decade and a half in prison, Govindachamy’s body may show some signs of physical decline, but his strength and hardened mindset remain unchanged, according to prison officials who observe him closely. Convicted for the rape of a young girl who succumbed to the brutal assault, Govindachamy shows no sign of remorse even as his sentence nears completion. He was lodged in Kannur Central Prison on November 11, 2011.

He has been housed in Cell D of Block 10, a high-security block. Prison staff say that when fellow inmates or officials bring up the horrific nature of the crime that shocked Kerala, Govindachamy is often seen reacting angrily, irritably or with mocking laughter. His face reportedly shows no trace of guilt. He continues to hold on to numerous superstitions, claiming the blessing of a sorcerer from Tamil Nadu, and insisting that no one will be able to kill him. Though prone to frequent quarrels with staff, he has reportedly remained calmer in recent times. However, he has consistently expressed a desire to escape from prison.

Requested artificial limb

Govindachamy, who often clashed with prison staff for better amenities and food, had personally requested the then Prison DGP for a prosthetic arm, and submitted a petition for the same. Another of his demands was to be provided with a beedi (hand-rolled cigarette) every day, claiming he used to get such provisions in Tamil Nadu prisons and threatening staff, saying prison rules do not apply to him.

He often approached authorities with frequent complaints against fellow inmates. On one occasion, he even staged a one-day hunger strike demanding biryani daily. The next day, after seeing mutton curry served in plates laid out in front of the cells, he grew agitated. To provoke him further, the food was deliberately placed near his cell. As the smell reached him, he gave in. Officials insisted he write a note confirming he had ended his fast before serving him the meal. He then ate the mutton curry and ended the protest. Every Saturday, 210 grams of mutton is given to all inmates, including him. He has also repeatedly demanded porotta, chicken curry and even cannabis at night.

Suicide attempt over transfer demand

At one point, Govindachamy attempted suicide demanding a transfer to Poojappura Central Prison. While being escorted for his morning routine, he tried to hang a lungi from a rod on the roof using his one hand. Other inmates and guards intervened and pulled it away. He was later given Bermuda shorts to wear.

Early companions: Three cats

In his solitary cell, he initially had three cats for company, named Ammu, Kuttappi and Murukan. In 2014, when the prison began efforts to remove animals from cells, the cats were taken away—despite his protests, requiring force. He even requested that at least Murukan be allowed to stay, but the request was denied. At the time, several inmates in solitary confinement were known to keep cats.

Brother visited twice

Govindachamy rarely receives visitors. His brother from his hometown has visited only twice. Initially, both the trial court and the High Court had sentenced him to death. However, prison staff noted that unlike other death-row inmates, he showed no visible signs of mental stress, even early on. He reportedly believed he would escape execution. He also washes his own clothes every morning and occasionally watches television.