Step father arrested over the death of 5 year old

30 December 2011 03:03 pm

A step father was arrested by the police for brutally assaulting and burning three step children in Haputhale leaving a five year old boy dead.

The incident had happened in the new housing scheme in the Thangamalai area in Haputhale between December 12 and December 19. “The suspect had assaulted the three children and poured hot water on them,” he said.

One child identified as Zaheer Sanheer Puhaneshwaran (05) succumbed to his injuries on Thursday while receiving treatment at the Badulla General Hospital.  The other two children are currently receiving treatment at the hospital.

The suspect is engaged in labour work and his wife is also engaged in odd jobs in the area. At the time of the incident his wife was not present in the house.

“Since the children are not his, he had constantly harassed and punished them severely for a considerable time period,” the police said.

The three children including two young girls are aged 11, 5 and 2, the police added. The police received information about the tragic incident on December 15.

The suspect was arrested while he was hiding in the area after the police was informed about his whereabouts. He was produced before the Badulla Magistrate and was remanded till January 2, 2012. (Supun Dias)