Suspect in Sub-Inspector's murder killed in shootout

A suspect wanted in connection with 24 murders, including that of a police Sub-Inspector, was killed during a shootout with police officers at Bathalayagama in Katuwewa, Hambantota yesterday. 

Police said the suspect, identified as J.K. Chaminda, had previously served in the Army's Special Forces Regiment. He had later deserted and had become an underworld gangster, carrying out dozens of murders and other crimes throughout the country. 

The suspect was also wanted in connection with the shooting of several police officers on November 15, 2016 at a hotel in Kurunegala. Several police officers were injured and a Sub-Inspector killed in that incident. 

The suspect had escaped after shooting the officers and had been hiding out at various places in the island since then. A special operation to apprehend the suspect was conducted by the Walana Anti-Vice Squad.

Police had cornered the suspect while he was hiding out at a hut built on top of a tree at a paddy field in Katuwewa yesterday. However, he had allegedly fired on officers with a pistol when they moved into arrest him, prompting police to return fire.

Police said the suspect had been hit twice and was admitted to Hambantota Hospital in serious condition, but succumbed to his injuries.  

Story and Pix by Rahul Samantha Hettiarachchi 

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