Gangster shot dead

Rafik Jalaldeen

GALLE: A most wanted gangster was shot dead in Wakwella by the Galle police yesterday morning, SSP Galle Keerthi de Silva said.

According to SSP de Silva, most wanted suspect U. Amira was arrested by the Dambulla police.

"On further inquiry the suspect was brought to Galle police. The suspect revealed that he was hiding two weapons and three hand grenades at a jungle in Wakwella," SSP Silva said.

Police proceeded with the suspect to the spot where he had kept the weapons. "Police officers recovered one locally made weapon and three hand grenades inside a bag. The suspect suddenly grabbed a weapon and tried to shoot the police officers. They shot him to defend themselves," he added.

The suspect was severely injured and succumbed to his injuries at Karapitiya hospital.

The deceased was wanted for murdering a Police Constable and a soldier in 2004. He also had participated in over eight major robberies and other criminal activities such as extortion of the business people in the area, SSP Silva said.