7 July 2023 11:30 pm
A 36-year-old suspect with a pending warrant against him was arrested while he was attempting to commit suicide after pouring petrol on his body and setting himself on fire this afternoon in Wellampitiya, police said.
The officers of the Colombo Crime Division were notified of an incident where a man was attempting to pour petrol on his body along with two other girls aged 10 and 07 in school uniforms, citing that he was facing injustice and if a solution was not promised, he would commit suicide.
However, the police officers were able to foil his suicide attempt and take him into police custody along with the two girls.
It was later revealed that he has been issued with an open arrest warrant over seven cases pending in courts in addition to being accused of burgling, possession of a grenade and six narcotics-related cases.
The suspect was ordered to be remanded till July 18 over child cruelty and other charges after being produced before the Aluthkade Magistrate's Court. (Sheain Fernandopulle)