Two suspects linked to the Kotahena murder case were shot dead by police after allegedly attempting to grab a weapon while in custody.
The incident began on the night of February 21 when a gunman on a motorcycle, accompanied by an accomplice, opened fire at Galpottha Junction in Kotahena, killing a man identified as 37-year-old Shashi Kumar. The shooting took place inside a mobile phone accessories shop on Kotahena Street. Kumar was rushed to the Colombo National Hospital in critical condition but later succumbed to his injuries.
Following the attack, Grandpass Police apprehended the two suspects while they were attempting to flee. Authorities recovered the T56 firearm used in the shooting at the time of their arrest.
However, while in police custody, the suspects were taken to an undisclosed location to recover hidden weapons. During this process, they allegedly attempted to grab a firearm and attack the officers, prompting the police to open fire. Both suspects sustained fatal gunshot wounds and later died.
Authorities are continuing investigations into the circumstances surrounding the killings, while further details on the case are expected to emerge.
