A 26-year-old woman who was abducted near the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) was rescued on Sunday afternoon after police opened fire on the suspect’s vehicle, authorities said.

According to police, officers stationed at a checkpoint in Narahenpita received a tip through the emergency hotline about the vehicle involved in the abduction. When the driver failed to stop and instead sped through the checkpoint, officers discharged their weapons, forcing the car to halt. The driver then fled on foot, leaving the vehicle behind.

The woman was found inside the car and taken into custody by law enforcement. She was subsequently examined by a Judicial Medical Officer and admitted to hospital for treatment. Preliminary reports indicate that the victim had been abducted from the vicinity of BMICH, where she had arrived to attend a graduation ceremony.

The Cinnamon Gardens Police have taken over the investigation and confirmed that a special operation is ongoing to apprehend the main suspect. Further details about the motive or identity of the abductor have not been released as inquiries continue.