A two-year-and-four-month-old girl has died after allegedly being assaulted by her mother’s partner in Magammana, Homagama, Police said.
The child, identified as Parindi Dilanya, had been living with her mother, 11-year-old elder brother, and grandparents in Magammana. Police said the child’s father had left the family following a dispute with the mother. The mother had subsequently been in a relationship with another man, who frequently visited and occasionally stayed at the house, it was reported.
Investigations have revealed that the suspect had allegedly assaulted the child on several occasions after she refused to address him as “father.” Police said the mother had also allegedly pressured the child to refer to the man as “father.”
On Feb. 12 night, the suspect had reportedly arrived at the house and allegedly assaulted the child again in the early hours of Feb. 13. Later that morning, he had left the house with the child, saying he was going to look for a new residence.
When he returned that evening, the child was said to be unwell, according to family members.
Police said neither the suspect nor the mother initially sought medical treatment for the child. Following an argument, the grandmother had left the house stating she would inform the police that the couple are refusing to seek treatment for the child. The suspect had also left, claiming he would bring a vehicle to take the child to hospital, but did not return.
The mother, accompanied by her sibling, had later taken the child to the Homagama Base Hospital. Doctors who examined the child said she had already died by the time of admission.
Police officers who arrived at the hospital arrested the mother in connection with the incident. Police also said a previous complaint had been lodged regarding the mother after she allegedly attempted to poison the child and herself.
Investigations are ongoing to determine whether the mother was aware of the alleged assault by her partner.
Meanwhile, the main suspect has fled the area, and police have launched a search operation to apprehend him.
Police said statements have been recorded from the child’s grandparents and elder brother. The arrested mother is due to be produced before the Kesbewa Magistrate’s Court. Further investigations are underway. (Newswire)