Handcuffs Used in Kahawatta Killing Not Police-Issued

COLOMBO (News 1st); A chilling murder in Kahwatte has sparked a major police investigation, following the abduction and fatal shooting of a 22-year-old man. 

The incident, which also left a 27-year-old injured, is suspected to be linked to an overseas drug network.

According to police reports, the two young men were abducted from their home by a group that arrived in a jeep. They were later taken to a deserted location in Koskaella, where the shooting occurred. The gunmen used a pistol in the attack, killing one and seriously injuring the other.

The deceased has been identified as a resident of Palansuriya Gama. The injured individual is currently receiving treatment, and his condition remains under observation.

Police have confirmed that handcuffs used during the abduction were not issued by the department. A broad investigation is now underway to determine the origin of the handcuffs and the identities of the perpetrators.

In a public statement, police refuted circulating claims that the victims or their family members were informants, calling such reports baseless and false.

Authorities have deployed four specialized teams to investigate the case, and over 50 witness statements have already been recorded.

Preliminary intelligence suggests that the shooting may have been orchestrated by a drug trafficker operating from Dubai. 

Investigations into this international connection are ongoing.