Cop at sentry near GR’s Mirihana residence arrested for shooting attempt on fellow cop

A policeman who was on duty at Jeswell Place junction in Mirihana where the former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's residence is situated, was arrested after he reportedly attempted to open fire at a fellow police sergeant with a T-56 assault rifle.

Police said the policeman serves in the Mirihana Police Station, was on duty at a sentry by the side of the road along with another police constable and a sergeant at the Jeswell junction off Old Kottawa Road. 

It was reported that the policeman in question had fallen asleep while on duty and the police sergeant reportedly reminded him to be considerate on his duty.

On hearing this from his senior, he lost his temper and allegedly aimed his assault rifle towards the sergeant, but the weapon was immediately snatched by a Inspector of Police nearby before any tragedy could take place.

The policeman was arrested soon after his senior officer had reported the incident to the police.

Accordingly, the 25-year-old policeman, resident of Polpithigama was arrested and to be produced before the Nugegoda Magistrate.

The Mirihana Police are investigating the incident.