Police have launched an investigation after a person allegedly attempted to dig up the grave of an infant at a burial ground in the Niyandagala area of Homagama.
The incident occurred at a cemetery located on a four-acre property that also includes a crematorium.
Police said a man entered the cemetery between 2 p.m. and 2.30 p.m. on Wednesday (11), claiming he wanted to clean the area where his father had been buried. However, the cemetery contains several burial plots and the individual had reportedly carried a shovel and dug at the location where the infant had been buried.
A worker at the crematorium became suspicious and informed the Homagama Pradeshiya Sabha, which oversees the cemetery. The local authority later alerted Homagama Police, who began an investigation.
Initial inquiries revealed that the grave had been dug and the upper section of the coffin containing the infant’s body had been opened.
The incident was later reported to the Homagama Magistrate’s Court and acting Magistrate Roshan Kuruppuarachchi inspected the site.
The magistrate ordered that the coffin be sealed and restored to its original condition following the investigation.
Police said the identity of the suspect has not yet been established. The infant had reportedly been buried at the site about two months ago.
Investigators suspect the grave may have been disturbed in an attempt to steal a panchayudha pendant believed to have been tied around the infant’s neck. Further investigations are ongoing. (NewsWire)
