Thiruvananthapuram, 29 Dec (H.S.):In a major breakthrough, Tamil Nadu Police have re-arrested notorious criminal Balamurugan, who had earlier escaped from police custody in a dramatic incident near Viyyur Central Prison. The accused was apprehended during a routine vehicle check in Tenkasi district, bringing an end to a month-and-a-half-long manhunt.

Balamurugan, described by police as a hardened criminal with a long history of violent offences, had gone into hiding after escaping from custody while being transported to court. The escape had triggered widespread criticism of the police, with allegations of serious lapses in security. At the time, he was being taken from Viyyur Central Prison to a Tamil Nadu court for legal proceedings.

According to police sources, Balamurugan was intercepted during a routine vehicle inspection in Tenkasi. Based on specific intelligence inputs, a special team kept surveillance on his movements and succeeded in apprehending him without incident. He has now been taken into custody and will be produced before the court before being transferred back to the high-security Viyyur Central Prison.

The accused has a long criminal record, with police confirming his involvement in at least 53 criminal cases, including five murders, along with multiple charges of robbery, assault, and intimidation. He is also known for attacking police personnel in the past and has previously escaped from custody.

Balamurugan had been lodged at the high-security Viyyur Central Prison since September 24, 2023. His earlier escape had drawn sharp criticism from various quarters, with allegations that the police failed to exercise adequate caution while handling such a dangerous offender. The latest arrest has brought some relief to law enforcement agencies, although questions continue to be raised about lapses in custodial security. Officials have assured that stricter protocols will be enforced while escorting high-risk prisoners in the future.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman