Rising Underworld Violence: Govt. orders IGP to curb underworld activities

• STF to be deployed to investigate recent shootings and maintain law and order 
• In response to the latest incidents, Minister Ananda Wijepala told the Daily Mirror that special attention has been given to these cases

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya   

In the wake of a troubling rise in underworld activities and shooting incidents, Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala told the Daily Mirror that he has directed the acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) to take swift action to curb the ongoing murders.  The Minister said he has 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 man was shot dead in the Nagahawatta area of Meegoda while travelling 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.  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. 

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.     
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.