A Sri Lankan detained at a special camp near Poonamallee, India attempted suicide on Thursday by consuming sleeping pills, demanding an early release.

 A few months ago, the ‘Q’ branch police arrested Amalan on various charges and detained him at the special camp near Poonamallee. On Thursday morning, he staged a sit-in fast and collapsed. The camp officials informed the police who rushed him to the Poonamallee government hospital where doctors found he had consumed an excessive number of sleeping pills.

Poonamallee assistant commissioner of police S Deivasigamani said, “There were nine Lankan refugees detained in the camp. On Thursday, based on the court order, five refugees were allowed to stay with their family in the respective camps in the state. However, four other refugees are still being confined in the camp.”

Amalan, who has been admitted in the government hospital for his ailment, was given sleeping pills prescribed by his doctor. But, he was adviced to take one tablet each during the night. As he was not released by the court on Thursday, he consumed all the medicines and swooned, police said. “Amalan’s health is in good condition. He is now admitted in the ordinary ward in the government hospital in Poonamallee,” the officer added.

Police say nine Lankan refugees were arrested by the ‘Q’ branch and were confined in the special camp. Chiranjeevi Master, who is one of the key persons in the LTTE intelligence unit, was arrested by the ‘Q’ branch police in last July, 2010, Times of India reports.