Police foil planned nightclub attack in Kollupitiya, seize weapons

Colombo, September 10 (Daily Mirror)- In the wake of escalating gun violence in several areas, police averted a major attack suspected to have been orchestrated by an organized criminal gang targeting an individual reportedly working at nightclubs in Kollupitiya.

Acting on a tip-off received via the Police Emergency Hotline 119 about a potential attack being planned by a group of men at a nightclub, multiple police teams were swiftly deployed across the area to prevent any incident.

Officers on patrol observed two suspicious individuals on a motorcycle and attempted to check them for questioning. The suspects attempted to flee, abandoning a backpack near Alfred Place in Kollupitiya. Upon inspection, police discovered a T-56 assault rifle and a cache of ammunition inside the bag. One suspect was arrested at the scene.

Later, the motorcyclist was arrested in the Maligawatta area. Investigations revealed that he is wanted in connection with several previous criminal cases.

Following further questioning, police arrested three more suspects believed to be connected to the planned attack.

Police Spokesman ASP F U Wootler said preliminary investigations revealed that the group was planning a major retaliatory attack related to an ongoing underworld gang feud.

The suspects, residents of Sedawatta, have been detained for seven days for further questioning.

Sources said they are suspected associates of the notorious drug gang led by ‘Kudu Chathu’.

It is believed they were targeting an individual working at a nightclub in Colombo.

Kollupitiya Police are conducting further investigations.