Death Reported After Escape Attempt by Welikada Prison Prisoner

A prison inmate held at Welikada Prison has died after being hospitalised following an incident connected to an alleged escape attempt, police said.

According to reports, the inmate initially escaped from the prison premises but was later arrested by officers in the Borella area after a brief pursuit. Authorities say a confrontation took place between the suspect and prison officials during the arrest process.

Prison sources further stated that after the inmate was returned to the facility, another unexplained incident occurred shortly afterwards. The individual is reported to have fallen seriously ill and was subsequently admitted to the prison hospital, where he later passed away.

The deceased has been identified as a 40-year-old resident of Borella, who was serving a three-month prison term for a drug-related offence after failing to pay a Rs. 5,000 fine.

Family members of the deceased have alleged that he was subjected to severe physical assault by prison officers, raising concerns over the circumstances surrounding his death.

Police have already recorded statements from around 10 individuals in connection with the case. Two special investigation teams from Borella Police are continuing inquiries into the incident.

Relatives of the deceased were also summoned to the Borella Police to provide further statements as part of the ongoing investigation.

The incident comes amid heightened scrutiny following another prison-related death reported on April 27 at Magazine Prison, where an inmate died after a confrontation with a prison officer.