Boy dies in crossfire

Suraj A. Bandara

A seven year old boy was killed when he was caught in a crossfire between police and a group of cattle thieves in Beruwala town yesterday afternoon. According to the police, the boy was in a three wheeler with his father. They were on their way to purchase material for a Daham Pasal uniform. The father was also injured.

The three wheeler was passing a super market in Beruwala town when it was caught in the cross fire.

The boy succumbed to his injuries on way to the Nagoda Hospital.

Hospital sources said the child had died before being admitted to hospital.

According to the police, the raid was conducted by the Maharagama police to arrest a group of armed cattle thieves. The gang escaped after the incident.

Four police officers involved in the shootout were arrested.

IGP Mahinda Balasuriya has sent a special police team to investigate the incident and to arrest those responsible immediately.