Gunmen open fire at Devinuwara house

Colombo, July 22 (Daily Mirror) - A group of unidentified individuals who arrived in a car opened fire at a house behind the Devinuwara Sri Vishnu Devalaya before fleeing the scene, police said.

No injuries or damage to the house or other property were reported. However, several bullets fired from a 9mm firearm struck the front wall of the residence.

Police suspect the shooting may be linked to a dispute between two organized crime groups, reportedly stemming from a conflict involving Kavadi dance troupes scheduled to participate in an upcoming procession at the Devinuwara Devalaya.

Following the incident, an audio recording allegedly released by an organized crime figure and suspected drug trafficker known as "Dehibale Malli" has been circulating on social media.

The shooting comes amid heightened tensions after another video containing an alleged audio threat by organized crime figure and suspected drug trafficker Mohamed Najeem Mohamed Imran, alias Kanjipani Imran, targeting the Basnayake Nilame of the Kataragama Devalaya, also surfaced online.

Thilina Madushanka, Basnayake Nilame of the Devinuwara Sri Vishnu Devalaya, said he would lodge a formal complaint with the police over the threats.

Investigators also revealed that a suspect currently in prison had previously made phone calls demanding money from the Basnayake Nilame. The matter had already been under investigation by the Walana Anti-Vice Unit.

Police have launched further investigations into the shooting and the alleged criminal links behind the incident.