Soldier suspect in doctor killing arrested

Chamikara WEERASINGHE

Hambantota police yesterday arrested the suspect in the killing of a female doctor.

The 38-year-old suspect is attached to the Army, Hambantota Police Headquarters Inspector (CI) Kalinga Silva said.

Dr. W. D. L. Indunil was shot dead at her official residence in Bandagiriya, Hambantota, allegedly by a soldier on Monday night. Her parents were also present at the time of the shooting.

The doctor was unmarried and a resident of Kalutara. She had been living with her parents in her residential quarters in Hambantota since her appointment to the Central Dispensary of Bandagiriya in Hambantota.

The suspect was arrested from the house of a cousin in Tangalle.

Meanwhile doctors attached to the Government Medical Officers' Association yesterday revoked their decision to stage an islandwide strike following the arrest of the suspect.

The doctors attached to the GMOA vowed on Tuesday that they will stage a countrywide strike if police did not arrest the suspect in connection with the murder of Dr. Indunil within 48 hours.

Police said Health Secretary of Hambantota and the Director, Hospital Services of the district told them that the strike had been called off.

Asked about the motive for the murder, Hambantota police said they could not give further details as it could hamper investigations.

Dr. Upul Gunasekera of the GMOA said according to information available, the suspect is said to have threatened to kill the doctor on several occasions. He is also facing criminal assault charges, according to police.

The victim's father had seen the suspect with the murder weapon in his hand after the shots were fired.