Shooting incidents: Police Spokesperson assures strict enforcement of law

COLOMBO (News 1st); 7 people have been killed in shootings in different parts of the island since 26th July.

The most recent incident was reported last night from Vivekananda Road, when a 51-year-old resident of Kotahena area was killed by two unknown suspects who came on a motorcycle.

The suspects have fired and fled and the Coastal Police has started investigations to arrest them.

Meanwhile, Police Media Spokesman Senior Superintendent of Police and Attorney-at-Law Nihal Thalduwa says that the law will be strictly enforced against criminals involved in shooting incidents.

In an interview with News 1st's Sampath Dissanayake, Police Spokesperson Nihal Thalduwa acknowledged that over 16 shooting incidents have taken place since May, and that there has been an increase in shooting incidents as of recently.

He said that the shooting incidents can be attributed to disagreements between various organized criminal groups, with regard to drug peddling and other crimes. 

Investigations so far have revealed that the shooting incidents can be related to the prevention of information on the orgaized groups from leaking, the Police Spokesperson said. 

When inquired about the delay in apprehending suspects in relation to these incidents, especially in consideration of the existing CCTV evidence, the Police Spokesperson said that delays may be experienced due to the current situation in the country, and in consideration of Police personnel who are currently on duty at filling stations to ensure fair distribution of fuel and to prevent clashes. 

However, investigations will be concluded as soon as possible, and the relevant suspects will be apprehended, he assured.