Convict who escaped from Kannur central jail, woman accomplice held

Kannur: The Kerala police on Friday apprehended TC Harshad (34), who had earlier escaped from the Kannur Central Jail.

Harshad, a native of Koyyode here, was serving a 10-year sentence for a drug conviction. He was sentenced by the court on September 9, 2023, following his arrest by the Kannavam police. His girlfriend, Apsara, was also arrested on Friday along with Harshad, for providing him hideout in Madhura. Both Harshad and Apsara were living at a house in Karakodi Bharathipuram in Sivaganga district of Tamil Nadu. Information about the residence of the duo was obtained by questioning Rizwan, who facilitated Harshad's jailbreak.

Prison break
According to prison officials, Harshad made his escape on the morning of January 14 at around 7 am by deceiving the duty sentry. CCTV footage from the day of his escape shows Harshad collecting newspapers at the prison gate and walking to a two-wheeler which seemed to be waiting for him. With him riding a pillion, the motorcycle was then seen speeding away from the spot.

According to police, Harshad reached Bangaluru after escaping from prison. Apsara joined him in Bengaluru. By tracing their routes with the help of mobile tower location, the police found that they reached Nepal border and stayed in Delhi together.

The duo arrived in Tamil Nadu following this. After reaching Tamil Nadu, they did not use their mobile phone or ATM cards. Apsara and Harshad rented a sub-collector's flat in Sivaganga in the beginning. They later moved to another rental accommodation.

Apsara is a tattoo artist. The duo previously worked in a tattoo parlor in Thalassery. The two met and fell in love there. Harshad has a wife and child. Apsara is also married.

On realising that it was Rizwan who helped Harshad escape from prison, the police filed a report against him in the court. Rizwan surrendered in Kannur First Class Magistrate Court a fortnight ago. The police also took the bike into custody. Harshad was found based on the information obtained from Rizwan.

The police said that there are 17 cases pending against Harshad in various stations of the district in cases of kidnapping, robbery, assault, and sale of ganja. Town ACP KV Venugopal said that all the people who helped Harshad to escape from prison will be arrested and that further details cannot be disclosed as the case is under investigation.