Tipper truck rams into Police raiding party, killing PC

By Thameenah Razeek

A tipper truck driver had fled the scene after running over and killing a Police Constable during a Police raid conducted on an illegal sand mining operation in Kobaigane, Nikaweratiya.

The deceased was a 32-year-old PC and a father of two. He was attached to the Kobaigane Police. The Police seized the truck in the Kuliyapitiya area, while the suspect was arrested in Nikaweratiya. 

It was also revealed that the suspect had previous charges against him in connection with illegal sand mining. Police said two teams will carry out further investigations into the incident.

The incident had taken place around midnight yesterday (29). The raid was conducted by a five-member Police team, Following a tip off.

Police Spokesman DIG Ajith Rohana said yesterday that following a Supreme Court order, the Police has appointed a five-member Police team to conduct operations against illegal sand mining in the Deduru Oya area. 

He said when the Police team signalled the truck to stop, the driver had driven into the group of Policemen, killing one.

The DIG said the Magisterial inquiry into the death will be held shortly, while the autopsy will be conducted by the Judicial Medical Officer of Nikaweratiya. Meanwhile, the funeral of the PC will be held with full Police honours.