Man who gave poison to his kids flees police custody in Thrissur

Thrissur: A 35-year-old man, who had given rat poison to his two children and attempted suicide, escaped from police custody in Thrissur on Monday.The man has been identified as Muthu, a migrant worker from Tamil Nadu who had been staying at Anakkallu Perumbilavu near Kunnamkulam.

He had also consumed poison after giving it to the two children on Sunday and was undergoing treatment at the Thrissur govt medical college hospital (MCH).

He fled police custody while undergoing treatment at MCH.The two children — an eight-year-old boy and his seven-year-old sister — are said to be in critical condition. The children were reportedly given poison after mixing it with fruit juice. The doctors at MCH said the children are undergoing treatment at the ICU currently and they may have to be shifted to hospitals with better facilities.“They may require plasma exchange and if this is not effective, the possibilities of liver transplantation will have to be explored,” the doctors said.Doctors said that the plasma exchange process would, however, entail a high level of expenditure and sponsors will have to be located to mobilize funds. The doctors communicated the situation to district collector Sikha Surendran, who in turn contacted health minister K Muraleedharan. The collector said following the minister’s intervention, authorities at Aster Medicity Hospital, Kochi, have agreed to admit the two children immediately.Meanwhile, police said a manhunt has been launched to nab Muthu. According to reports, there were some disputes in his family and his wife is staying separately.