According to authorities, a notorious group leader was killed when a gunman who carried out a gunman’s execution inside a court in Sri Lanka shot him.
Authorities say the gunman used a handgun which was smuggled in a hollowed-out publication by a sexual suspect, who remains at large.
Sanjeewa Kumara Samararathne, the leader of the gang, was being taken to court to face charges when he was shot. He is a suspect in numerous crime cases, according to police.
The killing in the investment Colombo is just one of a number of murders committed by rival groups, which has persisted as regulators vow to break down on gang violence there.
The group leader, famously known as Ganemulle Sanjeewa, had been in prison since he was arrested in September 2023.
On Wednesday, a dozen police officials escorted him to the court, according to the authorities. He was taken to the hospital after being shot, but he was later declared dead.
The shooter managed to flee the field but was eventually apprehended by police. Officials and the local media have used different names to identify him, but authorities say he used some names.
Authorities have identified the feminine think as 25-year-old Pinpura Dewage Ishara Sewwandi.
Authorities have posted a notice convincing cash payment to anyone who has information about the woman. A police officer and a truck driver are alleged to have assisted the two shooting suspects in their arrests, according to the police.
On Wednesday, lawmakers in parliament discussed a “major safety problem,” according to an opposition MP, who called it a “major protection issue.”
Nalinda Jayatissa, the minister of health and mass media, stated on Wednesday that the government may “take the activities of organized underground gangs really” after promising to stop for criminal activity in December.
Authorities are now reviewing protection measures in the court, which has also been raised by the event.
In response to the firing, new security measures have been put in place, including using armed guards when a suspect is being tried in court. Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara stated on Thursday that armed security officers are not usually permitted in jury.
At least nine people have died this year in a spate of shootings blamed on gang rivalry, according to AFP citing police data.