Police officer dies during illegal sand smuggling raid

A police officer died after being struck by a tractor transporting sand during a raid on an illegal smuggling operation in the Veerabhadra Koviladi area of Thenmaradchi, Jaffna.

The driver ignored police orders to stop the vehicle and continued driving, striking the officers in the process. One officer passed away at the scene, while another sustained injuries and was admitted to the Chavakachcheri Hospital.

Authorities took the tractor into custody and initiated investigations to apprehend the suspects who fled the scene.