The Galle police have apprehended four individuals linked to a shooting incident involving a father and son in front of a hotel in Tarupaha, Galle Dadella.
The suspects, aged between 25 and 36 and residing in Hinatigala, Habaraduwa, were involved in providing assistance to the shooters. The police investigation revealed that two individuals, arriving in a WagonR type vehicle, attempted to shoot the father and son with a millimeter pistol, but their aim was inaccurate, resulting in no injuries.
The father and son, residents of Unawatuna Mataramba, had come to Galle city by three-wheeler to purchase motorcycle spare parts. While waiting in front of Meki Super Hotel after receiving a phone call to pick up two foreigners staying at a hotel in Tarupaha, they were targeted by the shooters.
Fortunately, neither the father nor the son sustained injuries. The motive behind the shooting is believed to be a conflict between two underworld figures, known as Aiya Malo,currently residing abroad. These individuals have open warrants related to crimes like murder and robbery.
The police disclosed that the two Aiya Malo brothers, previously associated in criminal activities, split up, and their respective gangs are currently engaged in conflicts.
The shooting is attributed to one gang targeting a member of the rival underworld faction. One bullet was recovered from the scene, and investigations are ongoing to locate the shooter and the van driver involved in the incident.