Kollam: Notorious criminal Govindachamy has shown an unusual method for weight loss that could surprise many struggling with obesity. While many people fail to lose weight despite trying different methods, Govindachamy managed to lose nearly 19 kilograms in ten months and even tried to use it as a way to escape from jail.

He began at 74 kilograms and brought his weight down to 55 kilograms by following a strict diet. His meals included only chapati and water twice a day—for lunch and dinner. Occasionally, he added a small amount of curry gravy.

Although he managed to break out of Central Prison using his weakened appearance to his advantage, the escape attempt was only partly successful, as he was soon caught.

After his arrest, a jail investigation revealed that no official order had been issued to change his diet. According to the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of the jail, dietary changes for inmates can only be made with a doctor’s recommendation, but no such advice was given in Govindachamy’s case.

Govindachamy later told police that he deliberately followed the chapati diet to become thin and weak. Despite clear signs of his weight loss, prison staff failed to recognise the seriousness of his condition or take any action.