A notorious Sri Lankan gang leader, Sanjeewa Kumara Samararathne, has been shot dead inside a courthouse in the capital Colombo. He was shot dead by a man disguised as a lawyer who had hidden a revolver inside a book. Police say the gun was brought in by a 25-year-old woman, A2 CNN reports.
Samararathne, known as Ganemulle Sanjeewa, was arrested in September 2023 and was in custody on multiple charges, including murder. He was being escorted to court by a group of 12 police officers when he was shot. Although he was immediately transported to the hospital, he was pronounced dead there.
The perpetrator initially managed to escape, but was later arrested by police. A police officer and a van driver were also arrested, suspected of aiding the assailant.
The incident has raised concerns about security at the courts, and the government has announced new security measures, including the deployment of armed guards for special occasions. This year, at least nine people have died as a result of gang rivalry, according to police data. (A2 Televizion)
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