Two killed in shooting inside forest reserve

A teenager was among two persons killed during a shooting incident inside the Thabbowa Forest Reserve in Puttalam early this morning (12). Police said a group of four persons who were illegally felling trees inside the forest reserve had come under fire near the Siyambalewewa Bund inside the reserve. 

Two of the group sustained gunshot wounds and were admitted to the Puttalam Hospital, where they succumbed to their injuries. The deceased have been identified as residents of Siyambalewewa Village in Karuwalagaswewa. The victims were 18 and 31 years of age. 

The police post at the Puttalam Hospital had informed the Karuwalagaswewa Police, who commenced investigations. Police said a 12-bore shotgun had been used in the shooting and it is suspected that the group of illegal loggers had encountered a group of poachers inside the reserve. 

It is believed that the poachers had shot the group after mistaking them for wild animals. However, police have not ruled out that the shooting may have been deliberate.  

One person has been taken into custody in connection with the incident. 

Police further said there have been an increase in incidents of illegal logging and poaching inside the Thabbowa Forest Reserve. 

Story by Augustine Fernando in Chilaw

 

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