Major Man-hunt underway to locate COVID-19 escapee

by Zulfick Farzan 24-07-2020 | 10:04 AM

Colombo (News 1st);
A major manhunt is currently underway to locate and detain a COVID-19 patient who escaped from the Infectious Diseases Hospital or IDH while receiving treatment early on Friday (24).

Police Spokesperson SSP Jaliya Senaratne said the suspect is a wanted criminal for multiple crimes and is a serious drug addict.

The suspect was identified as 41-year-old Mohammed Kasim Mohammed Nasim also known as Elsiyam Nazeem a resident from Sinnam-Pillei-Simei, Trincomalee.

Sri Lanka Police in a statement said has an injury on his left leg and walks with a limp.

Police is urgently seeking public assistance to locate the suspect.

The General Public is requested by the authorities to immediately call 119, 0718 591 017, 0718 592 290 or 0718 591 864 if they have any information on the whereabouts of the escapee.

Sri Lanka Army Commander Lt. General Shavendra Silva speaking to News 1st said several teams are already working on locating and detaining the suspect.