A suspect who came to steal a water motor from a house in Suriyawewa Wawegama area was caught then beated by the villagers last night and died after being handed over to the police.
He died after Suriyawewa police officers were called and handed him over to the police officers.
The police mention that the suspect was admitted to Suriyawewa Hospital and was transferred to Matara Hospital for further treatment while receiving treatment there.
This person is a resident of Suriyawewa Wewegama area. The police have also arrested the 27-year-old and two others involved in the thefts.
The police say that due to the recent incidents of theft in Suriyawewa and its surroundings, the villagers have been paying attention to it and that is why they have been able to catch the thief who came to steal the water motor.
The police say that an investigation is underway regarding the beating of the arrested suspect and that investigations are also underway to arrest the suspects involved.