Monk among 14 arrested over killing of cop at Kebetigollewa

Villagers run amok after wild elephant attack

By Norman Palihawadane

A police sergeant succumbed to his injuries sustained at the hands of a group of villagers in Kebitigollewa, Anuradhapura, on Monday (31) night.

Police headquarters sources said that the victim and several policemen had been attacked by the villagers when they visited Rambakapuveva to investigate an incident where a woman had been killed by a wild elephant.

When the policemen arrived in the village, a group of enraged villagers led by a Bhikkhu of a nearby temple blocked the road, demanding justice and action against officials who had failed to prevent the wild elephants from invading their village. When the policemen ordered the villagers to disperse and clear the blocked road, a tense situation ensued and a group of individuals, wielding clubs, attacked them.

The police officers fired shots in the air to bring the situation under control. However, a police sergeant sustained injuries. He was rushed to the Kebitigollewa Hospital and transferred to the Anuradhapura Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

The Police Media Spokesperson’s Office said the 54-year-old sergeant was a resident of Wariyapola.

Police said the Buddhist monk and 13 others had been arrested in connection with the death of the police officer.