Police shoot dead suspect in self-defence

Rafik JALALDEEN

Another suspect taken into custody on allegations of child abduction and murder was shot dead by police in self-defence yesterday morning in Moneragala.

The suspect was arrested on Thursday in connection with allegedly abducting, raping and murdering K. Premeratne, 8, a student of Thelehalakanda Maha Vidyalaya, Moneragala.

"Following interrogation, the suspect led a police team to a hideout where he had dumped Premaratne's body. When the police team reached the spot, the suspect attempted to hurl a hand grenade from his hideout. The police escort shot at the suspect in self-defence," Police spokesman SSP Ranjith Gunasekera said.

The suspect was an Army deserter.

He said Premeratne was kidnapped on May 6 morning while going to school.