Thiruvananthapuram: Following the escape of notorious criminal Govindachamy, a major reshuffle has been carried out in the Prisons Department. Eight officials from various prisons have been transferred, including the Joint Superintendent of Kannur Central Jail. The government has also issued orders to fill several long-vacant posts.

The Joint Superintendent of Kannur Central Jail has been transferred to the Kasaragod District Jail, while the Superintendent of Kannur District Jail will now take charge at the Central Jail. Transfers have also affected prison officials in Thiruvananthapuram and other locations.

In addition, new appointments have been made to the posts of Superintendent at the Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode district jails --both of which had remained vacant for several weeks.

Govindachamy, the accused in the rape and murder case of 23-year-old Soumya, had attempted to escape from prison a few days ago. With the help of look-out notices and public cooperation, the Kerala Police managed to apprehend him within hours. He is currently under solitary confinement in Viyyur Prison.