Tissamaharama, March 30, 2024 – A late-night operation by the Tissamaharama Police to clamp down on an illegal gambling operation turned violent, resulting in the shooting of a 29-year-old man in the Ranminithenna area. The incident has sparked controversy and raised questions about police procedures.
According to official reports, on the evening of March 30, a team comprising a sergeant and two constables, not in uniform, of the Tissamaharama Police, was conducting a raid on a house suspected of hosting illegal gambling activities. It is during this operation that HK Ruwan Kumara, a resident of the area, sustained a serious injury from a gunshot to his right shoulder.
Eyewitness accounts suggest that the police team, led by an officer identified only as Mr. Tharanga, forcefully entered the premises between 11:30 PM and 12:30 AM, confronting the individuals present. Amid the chaos, Officer Tharanga allegedly discharged his weapon, resulting in Mr. Kumara’s injury.
Following the incident, another individual, referred to as Chamara, was apprehended at the scene and taken into custody by the police.
The police have since presented their version of the events to the court, claiming that the shooting was accidental. According to their statement, Mr. Kumara was armed and, during a struggle, Officer Tharanga’s firearm was discharged unintentionally, striking Mr. Kumara.
The incident has led to an outcry from the victim’s family and friends, who dispute the police’s account of the events. They demand a thorough and transparent investigation into the matter, questioning the necessity and use of lethal force in what was a non-violent crime.
The Tissamaharama Police Department has yet to issue a detailed statement regarding the operation or the circumstances leading to the shooting. However, they have confirmed that an internal inquiry is underway to ascertain the facts surrounding the incident.
This shooting raises critical concerns about police conduct and the escalation of force during operations. It also highlights the dangers associated with illegal gambling dens and the lengths to which law enforcement will go to curb such activities.
As the community awaits further details and the outcome of the investigation, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the precarious balance between enforcing the law and ensuring the safety and rights of all individuals involved.
