Five cops held in shootout [September 15 2010]

The policemen who were involved in shootout killing an eight-year-old boy, and four civilians were taken into custody, a short while ago.  The boy was caught in a cross-fire between the police and a gang of thieves opposite the Beruwala supermarket, yesterday.

Sadeesh Nikpul Silva, who was traveling in a three-wheeler with his father, was accidentally shot dead while his father too was injured. According to the Police spokesman, the five policemen in custody are attached to the Mahagama police and the main suspect, who was from Aluthgama, was wanted for a cattle robbery, and had escaped during the shootout. Sadeesh died while being rushed to hospital.

The Spokesman said that the fleeing suspect and his associates, fired at the policemen in civics. The boy died during the cross fire. A special police team has been appointed to investigate the incident.