The Special Task Force (STF) successfully neutralised a contract killer wanted for multiple murders in Minuwangoda yesterday. The high-risk operation unfolded at the Welikadaya 99 junction of Embilipitiya in the early hours of yesterday morning, said Police spokesman SSP Nihal Thalduwa.
The deceased suspect, aged 24, was a former soldier affiliated with the Army Special Forces. He reportedly carried out these killings and violence using a handgun and a T56 rifle, police said. One of the notable crimes attributed to the suspect was the murder of a man in Avariwatta, Katunayaka, last December.
He was also involved in the recent Minuwangoda incident, where he shot two individuals, leaving one dead on the spot while the other is now fighting for his life in critical condition, SSP Thalduwa said.
The STF’s Intelligence Division Special Operations Unit had received information regarding the suspect’s whereabouts in the Embilpitiya area. Acting swiftly on the information, STF personnel proceeded to the location at approximately 3:30 am yesterday to apprehend the suspect.
However, the suspect opened fire upon their arrival, prompting the STF members to retaliate with gunfire. It was discovered that the suspect had been hiding at his brother’s residence.
According to reports, the deceased contract killer was allegedly working for two notorious underworld criminals who are currently evading capture in Dubai. The suspect’s hometown is in Tissamaharama, said SSP Thalduwa.