Jail SP Mallesh said the Goa court had awarded life imprisonment to John in 1997 and he had completed the punishment period of 14 years. Noticing his good conduct during this period, the jail authorities had recently entrusted him the work of night watchmen.

John’s mother had visited the jail on Wednesday morning and had spoken with him for some time. But around 8.30am, John is said to have escaped from the jail. Jail authorities have ordered immediate action against gate keepers for dereliction of duty.