Breaking News

Situation in Puttlam under control: IGP

23 Aug 2011 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Inspector General of Police (IGP) N. K. Illangakoon assured today that the situation in Puttlam is now under control and normalising.

Speaking to the Daily Mirror he said that he instructed the police to continue with their routine duties, “We have not arrested any suspects so far,” he added.

The Army and the elite Special Task Force (STF) took control of the Puttlam town after violent clashes erupted on Sunday night which resulted in the death of a 23 year old Police Constable and injuring five civilians.

IGP Illangakoon was in Puttlam to discuss with police as to how the situation would be dealt with. He held a meeting with senior police and army officers in the area.

The army sent one company consisting of 120 troops. The law enforcement agencies warned that they will deal severely with those who spread rumours and attempt to provoke and mislead the public.

A number of statements were taken from people in the area but no arrests were made as the situation would have worsened if an arrest was made, the police said.

Eyewitnesses said the 23-year-old constable was on his way back to the station after traffic duty when he was severely assaulted by the angry mob in front of the Sathosa retail outlet.

On Sunday evening a tense situation took place in the Manalgunduwa area in Puttlam when at least five persons were injured during a shootout when the villagers ran amok when the police prevented them from catching a person who they thought was a ‘Grease Devil’. The unrest between civilians and the security forces spread to the Puttlam town following the shootout. (Supun Dias)

Breaking News

Situation in Puttlam under control: IGP

Most Popular Articles

More arrests of lawyers, politicians and senior police officers

Former National Lotteries Board Chairperson Shyamila Perera arrested

Girl visited her lover, gang raped by lover and his friends

Historic locomotive move between Kandy and Peradeniya without tracks

Updated World Test Championship standings after West Indies’ record win over Sri Lanka

12-hour water cut in Colombo and suburbs on Saturday

Latest News

Pope urges Europe to do more for migrants while visiting gateway island

Dengue cases rise due to unplanned construction concerns: Deputy Minister

Pakistan Defence Secretary calls on Deputy Minister of Defence

Joint investment powers Sabaragamuwa Medical Faculty development

Showers to occur at night across the island