Getaway Motorbike Use In Murder Of Backhoe Saman's Mother, Found

COLOMBO (News 1st); Police investigating the fatal shooting of the mother of alleged organised crime figure Nadungoda Nirmala Prasanna, better known as "Backhoe Saman," have recovered a motorcycle believed to have been used by the gunmen following the attack in Ulhitiyawa, Middeniya.

According to police, the motorcycle was discovered abandoned near a tea estate in the Dampahala area of Urubokka, Matara.

Investigators suspect the assailants used the vehicle to flee the scene after carrying out the shooting.

A senior police officer in charge of the area said five police teams have been deployed to investigate the incident and track down those responsible.

Police said two unidentified individuals who arrived on a motorcycle opened fire at around 6.00 p.m. yesterday before fleeing the area.

CCTV footage obtained by investigators is also being examined as part of the ongoing investigation.

The victim, identified as the mother of "Backhoe Saman," sustained critical injuries in the shooting and was rushed to the Middeniya Divisional Hospital.

However, police said she had succumbed to her injuries by the time she was admitted to the hospital.

Investigators suspect the shooting may have been the result of an ongoing conflict between organised criminal groups.

Several months ago, underworld figure "Kehelbaddara Padme" and associates were arrested in Indonesia, and brought back to Sri Lanka.

Among those arrested alongside that group was alleged organised crime figure Nadungoda Nirmala Prasanna, alias "Backhoe Saman."

Following his return to Sri Lanka, Backhoe Saman was produced before court and subsequently remanded in custody.