A murder accused on Friday attempted to commit suicide by hanging in the Central Jail in Salem.

According to police, Oomayan alias Mohan, who was arrested in connection with the murder of his friend Selvam in a Corporation School in Ammapettai two days ago, confessed to the crime. Wardens who were on morning duty noticed Mohan trying to hang himself with his lungi.

Mohan, who suffered minor injuries around his neck, was rushed to the Government Hospital. Investigations are on.