Double Murder Suspect Escapes Custody After Hospital Transfer

COLOMBO (News 1st); A suspect remanded in connection with the brutal double murder in the Hatton-Dickoya area has escaped from custody in the early hours of today, leading to an urgent police manhunt.

The Department of Prisons confirmed that the suspect had been admitted to the Kandy National Hospital last night after reportedly falling ill while in remand custody. 

However, early this morning, he managed to slip away from the custody of prison officers guarding him at the hospital.

Authorities stated that immediate steps were taken to alert the police and launch an investigation into the incident. A search operation is now underway to locate and apprehend the suspect.

The individual had been arrested last Thursday over the brutal double murder in the Hatton-Dickoya area. 

According to police investigations, the suspect had allegedly murdered the couple in order to settle a debt, subsequently stealing jewellery belonging to the victims.