Police investigations have revealed that the shooting carried out on Dec. 22 along the Kohuwala-Nugegoda Road was orchestrated by an individual known as ‘Sando’ - a close associate of underworld figure ‘Badowita Asanka’.
The victim has been identified as Chandima Sachintha (25) - a resident of Sri Saranankara Road, Bodiyawatta, Dehiwala.
Police say he is a close associate of one Avishka - an alleged drug trafficker linked to underworld figure ‘Kos Malli’, and had allegedly been involved in Avishka’s drug trafficking activities by collecting money.
According to police, Chandima was travelling in a three-wheeler to pick up his wife when gunmen on a motorcycle blocked his path, opened fire, and fled the scene.
He sustained injuries to his right arm and abdomen and was admitted to the Kalubowila Teaching Hospital, Police said.
Police stated that his condition is not critical.
In a statement to police, the victim said he noticed a motorcycle following him and continued driving without stopping until his way was blocked and shot.
Underworld rivalry leaves over 10 dead
Police further revealed that a long-running feud between the gangs of ‘Badowita Asanka’ and ‘Kos Malli’ has been ongoing for nearly 02 years, during which around 16 shooting incidents have been reported.
The shootings had led to over 10 people being killed, with a similar number injured.
It is also said that this shooting was a retaliation to the recent incident where a close associate of 'Badowita Asanka' was shot dead by 'Kos Malli' on Saranankara Road, Dehiwala.
Meanwhile, the Police have also uncovered that the recent robbery of a Toyota Prius valued at around Rs. 10 million, during which the driver was stabbed, was allegedly carried out under Sando's direction.
Investigators believe the vehicle was intended to be used in a planned killing of a member of Kos Malli’s faction.
Further investigations are underway by the Western Province South Crime Division.
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