Police launch an investigation into a 21-year-old couple accused of leaving their five-and-a-half-month-old baby, unattended in a rented room before allegedly attempting to travel abroad.
The couple, believed to have temporarily relocated from Batticaloa to a room at Galaha LoolKandura Estate about two weeks ago, reportedly entrusted the care of their child to a woman suffering from mental illness who was residing in the same room.
Yesterday (22), the couple had contacted a resident of the area, purportedly informing them of their plans to travel abroad and requesting arrangements for the child’s care in their absence.
Alerted by the estate management authority, a family health worker intervened and discovered the infant crying alone in the room. Subsequently, the baby was admitted to Deltota Hospital for immediate care.
Dr. Kapila Athapattu, the medical officer at Galaha Deltota Hospital, explained that due to the hospital’s lack of breastfeeding facilities, the child was referred to Peradeniya Hospital. Authorities promptly notified the Central Provincial Health Director and the Kandy District Regional Health Director about the situation.
The Gahala Police have initiated an investigation into the matter, expressing doubts about the couple’s purported travel abroad. It is suspected that they may still be within the country under the guise of international travel.
