Over 8 killings reported in connection with underworld gang activities

COLOMBO (News 1st) -Over 8 killings have been reported in the first few months of 2018 in connection with underworld gang activities. Investigators say these killings have been connected to a gang war between three underworld groups. Two individual have been killed yesterday (19th March) in Colombo and the police suspect both murders are suspected to be linked to the underworld gang murders. The police report says the well-known underworld gang member Makandure Madush who has fled the country is behind these crimes. The origins of this conflict have been traced back to an incident in Obeysekerapura, Rajagiriya in 2016, when Makandure Harsha, the brother of Makandure Madush, was shot dead by underworld figure 'Ranale Samayan'. On the 17th of January 2017, Thanila Bandara alias Banda was shot dead in Athurugiriya, allegedly by members of Samaya's gang. Following the incident on the 27th of February 2017, Samayan and 5 of his associates were killed in an attack on a prison transport bus in Kalutara. The Police noted that underworld figures known as Angoda Lokka and Makandure Madush were involved in this shooting. Following the attack on the prison bus, 'Angoda Lokka' and an associate known as Ladiya had fled the country. Last year, a beautician from Athurugiriya identified as Manjula Sanduni was also murdered as it was believed that she had tipped off the opposing gang members leading to the murder of Thanila Bandara. Several incidents of gun violence were reported thereafter leading up to the February 16th shooting this year of the owner of a vehicle for hire business near the Hutlsdorf Court Complex in Colombo. This businessman has been identified as a close associate of Makandure Madush. One of the shooters was beaten to death at the scene of the crime while police suspect that the shooting was carried out by members of the deceased Samayan's gang. On the 7th of this month, the decapitated head of one of the gang members involved in the shooting, identified as Kos Malli, was found near the Court Complex in Hultsdorf -The rest of the body was recovered yesterday in Angunukolapelessa. Police also claim that Asitha Kumara alias Army Asitha, who was gunned down in Borella on the 19th of November last year, is also a member of Samayan's gang and was involved in the killing of Makandure Harsha. The senior D I G  M.R. Latiff of Police Special Task Force said police most of the underworld murder cases are linked to drug trafficking. Commenting further he said most of the individuals who are involved in murders are the individuals who have been remanded and later released on bail. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uYQjd9IKr4I