Trishaw driver killed in police firing

Driver ignores halt orders:

Asela Kuruluwansa

A three-wheeler driver died on the spot and a passenger was injured when Balagolla police officers fired at a three-wheeler which ignored a halt order.

The incident took place at the Pallekelle Gam Udawa Ayurveda Hospital around 8.30 p.m. on Tuesday.

The deceased was identified as Dinesh Kumara, 28, of Balagolla. The injured passenger has been admitted to the Kandy General Hospital.

Kandy SSP Jagath Abeysirigunawardana said police had pursued the three-wheeler for about five kilometres and opened fire when it tried to enter a Mahaweli reservation. Two others who were in the three-wheeler had escaped. Kandy Additional Magistrate Ayesha Abdeen ordered the JMO to conduct an autopsy and submit a report.