Sri Lanka, Jan. 26 -- A 73-year-old former prison guard was arrested for allegedly striking a woman with a knife and burning her body to conceal the act.

Kandy Divisional Crime Investigation Division officers apprehended the suspect following a forensic discovery in a house in the Ankumbura Galkanda area.

Investigations began after a severely burnt body was found on December 23rd in a residence belonging to the suspect's elder brother.

While initial signs suggested self-harm, a forensic medical examination at the University of Peradeniya revealed the victim was a female aged 18 to 30.

The report confirmed she suffered two knife wounds to her head before the fire.

The suspect, previously dismissed from the prison service for discipli...