Residents of the area protested against the arrest of women suspects by a team of male police officers attached to the Kokadichalai police.

The suspects had been allegedly wanted in connection with running an illicit brewery. The police team later called in women police officers who arrested the suspects.

However a tense atmosphere that prevailed at the scene compelled the police to fire in the air.  Meanwhile, a group of individuals, believed to be relatives of the suspects rushed to the scene and attempted to plunder the weapons of the police officers.

It is alleged that two women who received gunshot injuries in the incident were admitted to the Batticaloa general hospital. Four others also received injuries during the clash with the police and, two of them were admitted to Mangalativue hospital and others to the Batticaloa general hospital. Police said a trishaw and the double cab belonging to the police were damaged. During investigations two suspects were taken into custody.