Muslim beef trader killed in Kalutara

A well-known businessman in the area was killed in an armed shooting that took place this morning (28) in the Wettumakada Muslim Mosque Road area, Kalutara South. The crime occurred around 8:59 AM, and although steps were taken to admit the victim, who sustained serious injuries from the gunshot, to Kalutara Nagoda Hospital, police confirmed that he had already passed away.

The person killed in this manner was a 38-year-old named Fakir Mohamed Mohamed Shafiq, a resident of Marikkar Street, Kalutara South. He was involved in the business of operating cattle slaughterhouses and selling beef. He was subjected to this suspicious attack while returning home on his scooter after visiting an Islamic place of worship for the Hajj festival.

The assassins, who suddenly emerged from a grey-colored car parked by the roadside, blocked the path of the motorcycle and then fired four shots at the victim from inside the car using a T56 type firearm. This entire incident was clearly recorded on nearby CCTV cameras, and the footage has now been released to the media.

Police investigations have revealed that the suspects used two vehicles to plan and execute the crime. They initially arrived in a white van and then switched to a car to carry out the shooting. The car used to flee after the murder was found abandoned by the police near the Naebada Post Office in Thebuwana, while the white van, which the suspects reportedly arrived in initially, was found abandoned in the Dodangoda area during the daytime by investigating officers.

Preliminary investigations suggest that this murder may have occurred due to a personal dispute, as a result of an illicit affair, or an incident involving providing information to the police. Police Media Spokesperson Assistant Superintendent of Police F. U. Wuttler stated that three special police teams have been deployed under the supervision of the Kalutara Senior Superintendent of Police to apprehend the suspects involved in this crime, and a comprehensive operation has already been launched.