Youth killed at workshop

14 arrested, two more wanted

Police have taken into custody 14 persons over their alleged involvement in the death of a person in the early hours of Tuesday (09) in the Dehiwela police area.

Police identified the 27-year-old victim as a resident of Badowita.

Dehiwela police initiated an investigation after receiving an anonymous call regarding the death of a person and causing of serious injuries to another on Hospital Road.

The arrested persons aged between 19 and 33 are residents of Kinniya, Nilaweli, Avissawella, Kalutara, Bandaragama, Galle, Beruwela, Kantale, Hatton and Ruwanwella.

Suspects have claimed that they apprehended two persons who entered a workshop, where air conditioners are repaired, and during a scuffle the unidentified persons suffered injuries. The suspects have brought the injured men to the Dehiwela police station from where officers immediately rushed them to the Kalubowila Hospital but one of them was pronounced dead on admission to the hospital.

However, initial investigations have revealed that the person who had succumbed to injuries was falsely accused of entering the workshop. Having grabbed him near the workshop, the suspects had forced him to call a person with whom he arrived there in a three-wheeler and detained him as well. Both had been assaulted severely and so far there was no evidence at all to suggest they planned to enter the workshop.

Police are looking for two more suspects for questioning. The 28-year-old other assaulted person, a resident of Dehiwela, is receiving treatment at the Kalubowila Hospital.

(SF)