Kozhikode, Kerala: Four days after the accused in the Perinthalmanna Drishya murder case escaped from the Kuthiravattam Government Mental Health Centre in Kozhikode, details have emerged on how he managed to flee undetected.

Police said Vineesh, the prime accused, spent nearly 10 days weakening the wall of toilet. He allegedly used a steel tumbler provided for drinking tea to loosen the tiles and gradually bore a hole through the wall, eventually escaping late Monday night.

The escape happened around 11 pm and marks the second time Vineesh has fled from the Kuthiravattam mental health facility. Despite extensive searches, police have not yet been able to trace him. The officials believe the accused has not left the state. He has not been sighted in his hometown of Perinthalmanna or at the residences of relatives.

Police have ruled out external assistance and said CCTV footage has not yielded any clues so far.

Vineesh had been admitted to the mental health centre about two weeks ago. Officials said he was last seen in his room around 9 pm on Monday. Although routine inspections are conducted every hour, his absence was found only at 11 pm.

Sensational murder case

The case dates back to 2021, when Vineesh allegedly stabbed to death Drishya (21), a native of Perinthalmanna, after she rejected his romantic advances. He had reportedly set fire to her father’s shop before forcibly entering the house and attacking the young woman.

Earlier, Vineesh was a remand prisoner lodged at Kannur Central Jail. He was first shifted to the Kuthiravattam mental health centre in 2022 after showing signs of mental illness. He had escaped from the same facility that year as well, but was later arrested. During this period, he had also attempted suicide.

He was brought back to the Kuthiravattam centre on December 10 after again exhibiting symptoms of mental distress while in judicial custody at Kannur Central Jail. Police said efforts to trace the accused are continuing.