Clash at Welikada: 50 injured

7 November 2010 05:34 am

At least 50 policemen were hospitalized after prisoners at the Welikada prison attacked them during a search operation at the prison early this morning, informed sources said.

About 4000 prisoners were removed from their cells for a surprise drug raid. The raid  was conducted by 500 police and prison officers who were later attacked by the prisoners. Action has been taken to bring the unrest under control, prisons sources said.

46 police officers and 2 prison officers have been admitted to the National Hospital and are currently being treated for various injures sustained due to the attacks by prison inmates. Injuries to the head, chest and abdomen are reported and medical investigations are being carried out to determine whether there are any serious internal injures. Dr. Hector Weerasinghe Director of National Hospital told Daily Mirror online

Dr. Weerasinghe added that no fatalities were reported yet and that the outlook for the injured officers was positive. (G.S & S.D)