Govt. orders Acting IGP to curb shootings, underworld activity

16 December 2024 08:47 am Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 7 Bookmark

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- STF to be pulled in to investigate recent shootings and maintain law and order

Colombo, Dec 16 (Daily Mirror) - In the wake of a troubling rise in underworld activities and shooting incidents, Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala told the Daily Mirror that he had directed the acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) to take swift action to curb the ongoing murders.

The Minister said he had instructed the acting IGP to involve the Special Task Force (STF) in investigations and operations if the situation demands such measures.

Several shooting incidents have been reported within the past few days, posing a serious challenge to maintaining law and order in the country.

On Saturday, a 32-year-old father was shot dead in the Nagahawatta area of Meegoda while traveling with his wife and young daughter. Two unidentified gunmen attacked the victim, who succumbed to his injuries after being rushed to the hospital. Fortunately, his family members survived unscathed.

In a separate incident on the same day, a woman was critically injured in Maligakanda when a gunman, riding a motorcycle, opened fire and fled the scene. The victim is currently receiving treatment at the Colombo National Hospital.

Another shooting was reported at Mahawatta in Meetiyagoda last night. Two persons were injured after they were shot at by three unidentified men who arrived in a three-wheeler. The injured were admitted to the Balapitiya Hospital.

These recent shootings add to a string of similar incidents, including the fatal shooting of a 39-year-old man last week at Kaudangaha Junction in Thammita, Gampaha.

Investigations revealed that the assailants in these cases had been using motorcycles for their getaways.

In response to the latest incidents, Minister Ananda Wijepala told the Daily Mirror that special attention has been given to these cases. He has instructed the acting IGP to investigate each shooting thoroughly and arrest the suspects immediately.

Furthermore, he stressed that the STF may be mobilized to support the operations and ensure swift action against the criminals responsible for these violent acts.

Comments - 7

Malumama Monday, 16 December 2024 09:38 AM

Government must come up with a comprehensive long term plan to, not curb but completely stop these type of violent incidents. There is no point in instructing the IGP to curb violence whenever there is a wild west type assassination in broad daylight. This is what all other governments did. It appears that the government is fast descending to a point where governance seems a herculean task. NPP please do walk your talk. We can't wait for 5 years to stop violence which brutalise the society. It will be too little too late!

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Kanchana Monday, 16 December 2024 11:32 AM

Government should go behind the masterminds who operate from other countries first. Government inaction is a frustrating and people will lose their trust paved on them If they don’t act soon.

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Ravana Monday, 16 December 2024 09:41 AM

Really? Still a politician has to tell the police what to do? By this time, the police should have curbed all the gangs into submission. Citizens are getting hurt, left and right, meanwhile.

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Colombo Citizen Monday, 16 December 2024 10:20 AM

People had so much hopes on the new government. Unfortunately, it looks like hopes are been shattered day by day. May be you can't develop the country. At least, please put law and order in place. People don't expect miracles from you.

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Mizaru Monday, 16 December 2024 10:41 AM

Miss my favourite minister and the IGP. By the way where is the couples?

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johan Monday, 16 December 2024 12:04 PM

Has the Defense Ministry taken over all the guns as per the recent circular issued by the Govt. If they have taken over t, now they must get into the field and arrest the individuals those who have not handed over and lock them. Just instructions won't help. Walk the Talk

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Waco Monday, 16 December 2024 12:29 PM

Only person who can eradicate underworld crimes is Field Marshall Sarath Fonseka. Give him the ministry he will definitely do it. Just instructing , nothing will happe. Sarath Weerasekara could not do it. How are you going to do it.

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