An investigation has been launched into a confrontation that arose on Tuesday evening between residents and police officers who reportedly attempted to raid an illicit liquor operation in Kokkaddicholai, Batticaloa.

Police Media Spokesperson SSP Ajith Rohana noted that the investigation is being steered by a Senior Superintendent of Police. The confrontation had arisen when police officers attempted to raid an illicit liquor operation at a house in the village of Panayaruppaan, in Kokkaddicholai.

Police say that  residents had become agitated when they attempted to arrest a woman who was at the residence. Police noted that shots were fired into the sky to restore calm.

Furthermore, the police noted that the firearm had discharged when two persons had grappled with the police officer holding the weapon. The woman at the residence and her daughter were injured in the shooting.

Police say that seven police officers were injured in the incident while a police SUV was also damaged. The injured woman and her daughter and two of the injured police officers had been admitted to the Batticaloa Teaching Hospital.

Hospital Director, Dr. Ibralebbe, noted that the daughter had been transferred to Colombo for further treatment. The five injured police officers are being treated at the Mahiladathivu Divisional Hospital.

The police say that 5 persons including a woman have been arrested in connection with the incident.

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