A police sergeant has died after he was assaulted by villagers during a heated situation in Kebithigollewa area, Anuradhapura last night (Oct. 31).
The incident occurred when several police officers of the Kebithigollewa police were on their way to the Rambakapuwewa area of Kebithigollewa following a report that a woman had died after being attacked by a wild elephant.
When the police officers arrived at the location, at least 100 people including a Buddhist monk had blocked the road.
A tense situation then ensued as the group of individuals wielding clubs attacked the police officers.
The police officers have fired shots in the air to take the situation under control. However, a police sergeant sustained critical injuries after one of the villagers attacked him with a club.
He was rushed to the Kebithigollewa Hospital and transferred to the Anuradhapura Hospital where he has succumbed to his injuries, the Police Media Spokesperson’s Office said.
The 54-year-old sergeant attached to the Kebithigollewa Police was a resident of Wariyapola area. His body is currently lying in the Medawachchiya Hospital.
The police said a Buddhist monk and four others were arrested in connection with the death of the police officer.