Suspect in Kalutara Double Murder Shot While Fleeing Arrest

COLOMBO (News 1st) - A police operation in Kalutara has led to the arrest of a man suspected of supplying the firearm used in the shocking double murder of a restaurant owner and his wife in Nagoda earlier this month.

According to Police, the suspect was travelling in a three-wheeler when officers attempted to arrest him. However, he allegedly ignored police orders to stop and tried to flee, triggering a pursuit that ended with police opening fire.

Police Spokesman, Assistant Superintendent of Police F.U. Wootler, said the operation was launched this morning based on information uncovered during the interrogation of the alleged gunman linked to the double murder.

Investigators believe the arrested individual is the person who provided the firearm used in the attack that claimed the lives of the couple in Nagoda.

During the attempt to evade arrest, police fired at the suspect, injuring him in the heel before taking him into custody.

The suspect has been identified as 28-year-old Rajawatte Sanju, a man whom police say is linked to several criminal activities.

He is currently receiving treatment under police guard at the Kalutara Nagoda Hospital.

Police said the suspect is scheduled to be produced before the Kalutara Magistrate's Court today.

Authorities also plan to obtain detention orders in order to question him further as investigations continue into the murder case.

The double murder that stunned the Kalutara area took place on the 9th of this month, when a restaurant owner and his wife were shot dead in Nagoda, Kalutara.