Infant's body found in burning coffin with elderly woman

Asela Kuruluwansa

The body of an infant aged one hidden in a coffin in which the body of an elderly woman was cremated in the Pilimatalawa, Arabegama crematorium was found by its caretaker on Saturday.

The caretaker had noticed the infant's body when he checked through a window to ascertain whether the woman's body was burning. The watcher after noticing the infant's body disconnected the gas supply and informed the police.

investigations revealed that the woman was a resident of Gannoruwa and her body had been kept at a funeral parlour in Panideniya for one day. It had been brought directly to the crematorium by the relatives.

Investigations are on to find out who placed the infant's body. The funeral parlour owner has been arrested. Kandy Acting Magistrate Upali Bogahawatta held the Magisterial inquiries. Kadugannawa police is investigating.