Police officer injured in explosion at Point Pedro, Jaffna

A Police Constable (PC) suffered minor injuries due to an explosion at a police roadblock at Vallipunam in Jaffna this morning (27). The injured Constable was admitted to the Mandigai Hospital, Point Pedro Police stated.

The Constable had been on duty at the roadblock along with a Sub Inspector (SI) when the incident occurred at about 7.30am today. The victim suffered minor injuries to his foot due to the explosion. The SI did not suffer any injuries.  

Police said initial investigations revealed that explosives concealed inside a tin had been used to make a small improvised pressure mine. The device had been buried near the area where the police officers were on duty. 

The PC who was injured was attached to the Point Pedro Police Station. 

Investigators say that the Maradankeni Road in Point Pedro, where the incident occurred, is frequently used by illegal sand miners. It is suspected that they had planted the device in a bid to frighten police engaged in duties in the area. 

The Bomb Disposal Squad of the Special Task Force as well as the Army are conducting further investigations together with a special team from the Point Pedro Police. 

Text and Pix by Romesh Madushanka