Shots were fired at a group of police officers during a raid in the Akadigoda area of Kosgoda, with police returning fire and injuring one suspect, Police said.
According to the Police Media Spokesperson, two suspects were arrested following the incident, while two firearms were also recovered.
Police said the suspects were allegedly preparing to carry out a shooting in the Maha Induruwa area when they were intercepted during an operation conducted by the Walana Anti-Corruption Unit.
Investigators suspect the planned attack was linked to an ongoing dispute between groups associated with alleged underworld figures “Loku Patty” and “Karandeniya Sudda.”
Police suspect the arrested men were linked to Loku Patty’s group and were allegedly planning to target a person associated with Karandeniya Sudda’s group.
The incident comes days after Loku Patty’s brother, known as “Podi Patty,” was shot dead in the Welikanda area of Ahungalla on October 1.
Police suspect the planned shooting may have been intended as retaliation for that killing.
Further investigations are underway. (Newswire)