Wrong House Targeted in Deadly Dehiwala Grenade Attack That Killed Two Children: Police

COLOMBO (News1st);Police have revealed that the grenade attack which killed two children and injured their father in Dehiwala in the early hours of today was allegedly carried out on the wrong house.

Police Spokesman Assistant Superintendent of Police F.U. Wootler said initial investigations indicate that the intended target was the residence of an individual allegedly involved in narcotics distribution and linked to organized crime figure Badovita Asanka.

According to police, the assailants appear to have mistakenly hurled the hand grenade at a neighboring house instead of the intended residence.

The Police Spokesman stated that the attack is believed to be an act of retaliation due to an ongoing conflict between groups associated with Badovita Asanka and rival underworld figure Kos Malli.

The grenade exploded at a house on Sirisangabo Mawatha in Dehiwala at around 3.20 a.m., causing devastating consequences for the family inside.

Two children, aged 11 and 17, were killed in the blast, police confirmed. Their 55-year-old father sustained injuries and was rushed to hospital for treatment.

The injured man is currently receiving treatment at the Kalubowila Teaching Hospital, according to police.

Authorities have launched a full-scale investigation to identify and arrest those responsible for the attack.