pix by wasantha chandrapala - Ampara

• Suspect surrendered with two T-56 assault rifles and 19 rounds of ammunition 

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya 
and wasantha chandrapala - Ampara 

The police sergeant assigned to the Thirukkovil Police station who opened fire on a group of fellow officers at the police station, killing four of them and wounding three others, was remanded till January 6.   

Three injured officers including the OIC of the Thirukkovil Police station were admitted to the Thirukkovil and Akkarepattu Hospitals.  

The police sergeant who carried out the shooting was surrendered to the Ethimale Police station with two T-56 assault rifles and 19 rounds of ammunition after the shooting.  

The shooting took place around 10.30 on Friday night. Three persons were killed on the spot while another police constable who was receiving treatment at the Kalmunai Hospital died on admission to the hospital.  
The OIC had left the police station on some duty at the time of the shooting.  

When the OIC arrived at the police station, the suspect sergeant had also shot at the police jeep in which the OIC had arrived. At that moment, the jeep lost control and crashed into a nearby building, police said. A Police Sergeant, two constables and a Police constable driver were killed in the shooting while the OIC and two other constables are still receiving treatment at the hospitals.  

Investigations have revealed that the shooting was carried out due to concerns over not being granted leave.  Police Spokesman SSP Nihal Thalduwa said the arrested suspect was handed over to the Ampara Police for further investigations.  

He said a special team had been appointed to conduct further investigations under the direction of Senior DIG in charge of the Eastern Province.  

• A Police Sergeant, two constables and a Police constable driver were killed in the shooting while the OIC and two other constables are still receiving treatment at the hospitals