Soumya suicide: Prison authorities in the dock

Kozhikode: Security lapse on the part of authorities at Kannur central prison in connection with the suicide of Soumya has been pointed out by Regional Welfare Officer of prisons department. Based on the report of the Regional Welfare Officer, Northern range DIG of Prisons, S. Santhosh will conduct a detailed inquiry.

Soumya was the remand prisoner who was the single accused in the chilling murder case of her four blood relatives; her parents and two little daughters at Pinarayi in Kannur. “The preliminary report points to the security lapses on the part of jail officers. There was reference about the fault of the Jail Superintendent also,” said S. Santhosh.

The DIG will visit Kannur central prison on August 29 for a detailed probe. Soumya was found hanging from the branch of a cashew nut tree in the vast acres of land inside the jail premises on August 24. She was allotted to work in dairy farming in the jail, which is usually not provided to a remand prisoner. Sources said that Soumya pleaded with authorities to allot her some work.

Meanwhile, the prison authorities cremated her body at Payyambalam beach on Monday as relatives were reluctant to accept the mortal remains.