Homeguard kills wife, family

Rafik Jalaldeen

KEBITHIGOLLEWA: Four persons including three from the same family were shot dead by a Homeguard (Civil Security) yesterday morning in Rambakepuwewa, Kebithigollewa. A child also sustained injuries in the incident.

The Home Guard D.B. Ranaweera (45) who was on duty in Kanugahawewa, Kebithigollewa shot dead his wife and her family over a personal problem yesterday at around 5.30 a.m, Kebithigollewa ASP Lionel Gunathilaka said.

“A neighbour was also among the victims,” he told the Daily News.

The victims have been identified as Ranaweera’s wife Sumithra Kanthi, sister-in-law A.Kanthi, mother-in-law B. Wimalakanthi and neighbour M.R.Suraweera. The injured eight-year-old boy was admitted to Anuradhapura hospital.

According to ASP Gunathilaka the suspect Ranaweera had left his wife over a family problem but visited her occasionally. “It is believed that his wife Sumithra had an affair with a soldier and Ranaweera was enraged over the matter with her and the family,” the ASP added.

Sumithra was living with her parents’ family in Rambakepuwa.

ASP Gunathilaka said that Ranaweera who was on duty in Kanugahawewa Wednesday night had returned to his wife’s place with his T56 rifle and shot them dead. The suspect has fled the area. “We believe that the suspect is hiding in the jungle. Police and Army teams are searching for the suspect,” he added.