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A politically motivated group is allegedly working to assassinate individuals who could provide key evidence in serious crime cases, according to a former intelligence officer who made the claim during a YouTube current affairs program.
Suspect Shot Dead by Police After Alleged Murder in Kotahena
A suspect named Perera, arrested by the police for allegedly committing a murder in Kotahena last night, was later shot dead by officers. According to the official police statement, he was killed while attempting to brandish a weapon during police custody.
Victim’s Brother Challenges Police Narrative
Earlier today, the suspect’s brother spoke to the media, making a public statement in front of television cameras. He strongly denied the police’s version of events, stating:
“I need to speak about my brother. He left home that day, but he was not an organized criminal. He was not someone involved in such operations, nor was he armed. My brother was not capable of leading a gang or organizing people for criminal activities.
The police arrested him and released a partial video of his arrest. I am asking for a full investigation into this. You cannot just kill an arrested suspect. We are not animals. Human life has value.
When my brother was arrested in Colombo, legal action should have been taken. But I believe he died after being beaten on the road, and then the police falsely claimed he was shot while resisting arrest. My brother had never done anything like this before. I won’t deny that he had used drugs, but he was not a criminal.
If police officers can do this to someone today, they can do it to anyone tomorrow. If they were wrong, then what they did is a crime too. A human life should not be treated like the life of an animal.
After my brother’s arrest, within two to three hours, no proper investigation was conducted. Normally, an arrested person should be brought before a court of law. Killing someone within just a couple of hours of arrest, under the excuse that he pulled a weapon, is completely wrong.”
His statement raises serious concerns about police conduct, calling for greater transparency and accountability in handling criminal suspects.
Can the Police Control the Crime Wave?
While Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) Priyantha Weerasooriya faces mounting criticism for failing to curb the rising crime wave, he addressed concerns during a special media briefing held today (22) at the Government Information Department.
He stated that 58 organized crime gangs and approximately 1,400 individuals associated with them have been identified across the country. However, the pressing question remains: if the police have such precise intelligence, why are the suspects still at large?
Unfortunately, investigations have revealed that a number of police officers and tri-forces personnel have been directly or indirectly involved in criminal activities. As a result, 11 officers have been arrested in connection with various crimes.
Public Hotline Introduced, But Credibility in Question
To combat the surge in crime, a new hotline, 1997, has been introduced, allowing the public to report crimes and assist law enforcement. However, given that some police officers themselves are linked to criminal gangs, the effectiveness and credibility of this initiative remain uncertain.
Rising Violent Crimes and Firearms Seizures
The Acting IGP revealed that within this year alone:
17 shooting incidents
5 brutal murders involving dismemberment
have been reported, with all 17 shooting investigations already concluded.
Since the current government took office, police have seized a significant number of illegal firearms, including:
T-56 assault rifles – 13,Revolvers – 15,Pistols – 21,Bore-12 firearms – 75,Repeaters – 07,Locally manufactured small pistols – 805,Other firearms – 04
However, more than half of the T-56 rifles missing from an army camp are yet to be recovered, raising further concerns over police efficiency and accountability. Also about 40 politicians have failed to return issue firearms that have been called back.
Are Police Executions Justified?
During the media briefing, journalists questioned the rising number of suspects being shot while allegedly attempting to retrieve hidden weapons.
Priyantha Weerasooriya defended the actions, stating that police officers have the right to protect themselves. However, a journalist pointed out that court rulings mandate that such incidents must be videographed. When asked whether this protocol was followed in the Kotahena shooting, the Acting IGP refrained from answering directly, saying the matter is still under investigation.
With rising public concern, increasing police-involved shootings, and allegations of corruption within law enforcement, the question remains: Is the police force truly doing enough to combat crime, or is it part of the problem?
