Maligawatte Shooting: Victim Had No Criminal Record, Only Related To Kanjipani

Colombo (News 1st): Police say the 54-year-old businessman gunned down on Sangaraja Mawatha in Maligawatte had no criminal record, as two police teams launched a joint investigation into the killing.

Police Spokesman Assistant Superintendent of Police F.U. Wootler stated that the Western Province North Crimes Division and Kotahena Police are conducting inquiries into the incident.

According to initial investigations, the deceased had no criminal charges against him.

Police said the gunman targeted the victim while he was standing near a hardware shop on Sangaraja Mawatha. The attacker fired three shots from a .38-type revolver before fleeing on a motorcycle.

The victim has been identified as Mohamed Asmi Mohideen, a 54-year-old businessman from Kirulapone.

A joint police investigation has been launched to apprehend the shooter. 

Police suspect the murder may be the result of a conflict between two organized criminal gangs.

Earlier, Police said preliminary investigations revealed that the victim was a relative of underworld figure Kanchipani Imran.

Further investigations are underway.