Suspect in murder of former IP killed in shootout at Meetiyagoda

A 42-year-old person wanted over a recent shooting was killed in a shootout with the Police Special Task Force at Thelwatta in Metiyagoda.

Police said the suspect died after being admitted to the Balapitiya Hospital.

Officers of the Police Special Task Force have gone to the Thewatta area based on information that a suspected underworld member is hiding in a house in the area.

It is reported that the suspect, who was hiding in the house at that time, fired at the STF officers first.

The suspect was shot at while retaliating against the attack, and he died after being taken to the hospital.

Police said the deceased person is a suspect in the murder of former Police Inspector Balendrasinghe, who was shot dead by two unknown gunmen at Rathgama in Galle on October 9.

The deceased is identified as a resident of Wadduwa.(Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya)