January 16, Colombo (LNW): A shooting incident outside the Mannar Magistrate’s Court this morning has resulted in the deaths of two individuals and left two others injured.
The incident occurred at approximately 09:20 am, sending shockwaves through the local community.
Two assailants, riding a scooter, approached the victims and opened fire using a pistol. The gunmen fled the scene immediately after the attack, according to Police Spokesman SSP Buddhika Manatunga.
Emergency services quickly responded, and the wounded individuals were rushed to the hospital for treatment.
Despite efforts to save them, hospital sources confirmed that two of the victims succumbed to their injuries.
Initial investigations suggest that the victims were scheduled to testify in a case being heard at the court. It is believed they were on their way to the hearing when the gunmen targeted them.
The motive behind the attack remains unclear, but the police are focusing on the possibility that the shooting may be linked to the victims’ involvement as witnesses in a case.
The Mannar Police have launched an extensive investigation into the incident, with officers working to gather more information and identify the perpetrators.
Authorities are exploring all potential leads, including examining the nature of the case the victims were associated with and whether the shooting was an act of intimidation or a targeted assault.
