Eight suspects arrested over attack on monk at Potuvil

By Norman Palihawadane

Eight suspects have been arrested by the Pottuvil police, on Monday, in connection with the reported attack on a Buddhist monk of the historic Muhudu Maha Viharaya in Pottuvil.

Police said a group of people had attacked the monk with an oar while he was meditating inside a rock cave and robbed 57,000 rupees and a mobile phone.

A senior police officer said all eight suspects, aged between 34 and 56, are residents of Pottuvil and engaged in fishing.

The police later found the allegedly stolen cellphone near the cave.

The monk injured in the attack was admitted to the Pottuvil Hospital, and later transferred to the Ampara Hospital for further treatment.

According to the police, the eight suspects were arrested.

Pottuvil police are conducting further investigations.