Police mastiff helps in murder suspects’ arrest

Priyadarshani Kahawala - Ingiriya central group cor

Three suspects wanted in connection with a murder in Kapuwella, Botalagama in the Meegahathanna police division were apprehended due to the detection talents of a mastiff named Grero of the Horana Police Kennel.

The victim W.D.Piyathilaka, 40, was a resident of Kapuwella, Botalagama. Grero who was brought to the scene by constable H.M.D.Duminda of the Horana Police Kennel, had followed a trail picked up from an item apparently left behind by the suspect, eventually leading the Police to a house in a lonely jungle area.

Grero’s trail ended at the house where the Police arrested the suspects. Police also found blood stained clothes from the house.

Among the three persons, the Police believe one was the murderer. He is 50 years and the other two are in their mid twenties. The youths are the sons-in-law of the main suspect, the Police said. All are residents of the same area. The motive for the murder is being investigated.

Investigations are continuing under the supervision of Kalutara SSP Roshan Fernando by Matugama ASP Sunil Priyaratna and OIC Meegahathanna Rasika Wattegama.

Sergeant Chandrasiri and Constable H.M.D Duminda of the Official Dogs Unit of the Horana Police handled Grero.