A 21-year-old suspect in police custody died following an abortive attempt to escape custody when he was being taken to the Maniyangama area in Avissawella as part of an ongoing investigation.

According to the police, the suspect who was wanted in connection with a double homicide on September 20, where two victims were shot and killed in Thalduwa, Avissawella and two other individuals had been seriously injured, was arrested by the Special Task Force (STF). 

Upon his arrest, police had discovered 06 grams and 170 milligrams of heroin in his possession. The STF had subsequently handed over the suspect to the Hambanthota Police.

Later, the suspect was handed over to the Avissawella Police, where he was produced before the Avissawella Magistrate to obtain a 72-hour detention order.

Subsequent to information obtained from the suspect, the police had taken him to Ethpanthiya Road in Maningama, Avissawella, this morning to assist in the recovery of relevant evidence for court proceedings.

Police said during the journey, the suspect had attempted to strangle a police officer using the handcuffs. A confrontation had ensued in which both the suspect and the police officer had sustained injuries where the officer had managed to escape after the other officers had come to his rescue.

Both the suspect and the injured police officer were admitted to the Avissawella Hospital for treatment, where the suspect succumbed to his injuries.

The deceased was identified as a resident of Maniyangama.

Avissawella Police are conducting further investigations under the direct supervision of the Seethawakapura Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP). (DSB)