An ex-army soldier, wanted for the murder of a butcher shop owner in Mahabage and several other crimes, was killed in a clash with the Police Special Task Force (STF) in the Suriyawewa area.
According to police, a raid was conducted early this morning based on intelligence suggesting that a murder suspect was hiding in the area. When STF officers attempted to arrest him, the suspect opened fire at the officers with a firearm, resulting in the suspect being injured in the ensuing exchange of gunfire.
Tragically, the suspect succumbed to his injuries while being transported to the Suriyawewa Hospital. Additionally, a Special Task Force officer sustained injuries during the confrontation.
The deceased, identified as a 45-year-old resident of Meella, was also implicated in other violent incidents, including a shooting in Wellampitiya's Kittampahuma area on August 8. Furthermore, he was accused of attempting to kill Dulaj, the brother-in-law of an organized criminal named Vidura, near the Senigama temple in Meetiyagoda on June 17, allegedly under the direction of an organized criminal named Kosgoda SuSujee.
The STF seized a revolver-type firearm and a motorcycle from the suspect's possession following the confrontation.
