Colombo (LNW): An inquiry has been initiated by the police into the tragic shooting incident that occurred last night in the Lunugamwehera forest reserve.
The victim, a 31-year-old resident of Tissamaharama, sustained serious gunshot injuries and succumbed to them after being admitted to Lunugamwehera hospital.
The incident unfolded as officials from the Kataragama, Karawila Wildlife Office were engaged in a raid within the protected area. The operation was intensified after nearby wildlife offices reported the escape of individuals from the reserved area.
Consequently, a search operation was launched to apprehend the fugitives in Zone No. 06, Left Bank Zone of Yala Park.
Preliminary police investigations indicate that the shooting occurred during the execution of the search operation.
A wildlife controller responsible for the shooting has been apprehended after voluntarily surrendering to the police along with his firearm.
