Air Force Probing Death Of Corporal in Police Shooting

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Sri Lanka Air Force had launched an inquiry into the incident that took place in Padukka on Monday (8) morning involving an SLAF corporal attached to Airforce Rugby pool at a police checkpoint, which has resulted in his death.

Commander of the Airforce has initiated an inquiry into the incident, said Group Captain Dushan Wijesinghe, the Director Media Airforce.

He said that preliminary findings point to an exchange of fire between the SLAF corporal (volunteer) and the police officers who were at the check point. According to the information of the police, the injured corporal, who was off duty, had succumbed to his injuries once hospitalized.

He said that the Sri Lanka Air Force takes any involvement of its personnel in criminal activity seriously and will work closely with law enforcement agencies to investigate the incident.

Early on Monday (8) morning, a suspect was killed in police fire at a checkpoint operated by Sri Lanka Police in Padukka.

Police Spokesperson DIG & Attorney-at-Law Nihal Thalduwa said that it is believed the deceased was the shooter involved in the double murder in Moragahahera on Sunday (7) afternoon.

He said that the Police, and the Police Special Task Force set up a checkpoint in Padukka to inspect vehicles.

The Police Spokesperson said that when they attempted to inspect a motorcyclist, he attempted to open fire at the police officers.

The police officers had opened fire on the suspect thereafter, resulting in his death.