LTTE explosives haul recovered in Chilaw

Rafik Jalaldeen

CHILAW: A haul of explosives were recovered from an LTTE suspect in Battalu Oya, Udappuwa area in Chilaw last morning, Police Media Spokesman Senior DIG Jayantha Wickramaratne said.

An LTTE suspect who was being interrogated by the Chilaw police revealed that a haul of explosives were hidden at a house.

The suspect led the police team to the house in Battalu Oya, Udappuwa.

“The police uncovered two claymore mines each weighing four kg, eight hand grenades and four meters of detonator wire, hidden in a well of the house,” DIG Wickramaratne said.

The LTTE suspect was arrested two weeks ago during a cordon and search operation conducted by the Chilaw police. The occupant of the house was also taken into custody.

Meanwhile, Chilaw police also recovered two T56 magazines, containing 18 and 30 live rounds of ammunition hidden at another house last morning in Sellapuram, Chilaw following information given by the LTTE suspect, the DIG added.

“The police team were obstructed by a mob when they were returning after arresting the occupant of the house where the explosives were uncovered. The mob were supporters of the suspect and the police was forced to open fire to disperse the mob,” DIG Wickramaratne told the Daily News.

A member of the mob was injured and another suspect taken into custody. The injured suspect was admitted to the Chilaw police.

Chilaw police are investigating.