A 16-year-old student has been shot and killed in Thalathuoya, Maligatanne last night over alleged suspicious behavior.

Villagers had split into two groups to conduct a search after rumors had spread of a suspicion looking individual entering the area.

One of the persons in the group had reportedly opened fire at the child after he had arrived in the opposite direction of the search party.

The individual who had fired the weapon has been taken into police custody, Thalathuoya Police who is conducting further investigations on the incident stated.

The body of the 16-year-old has been placed at the Kandy General Hospital.