Man arrested with firearm over shooting brother

A man has been arrested along with a firearm in connection with a shooting incident following an argument between two brothers in the Gageyaya area of Thanamalwila Police Division, police said.

The suspect, a 31-year-old resident of Gageyaya Road, Thanamalwila, was arrested yesterday (01) by officers attached to the Thanamalwila Police Station.

Police investigations revealed that the shooting stemmed from a personal dispute between the suspect and his 33-year-old elder brother. Following an escalation of the argument, the younger brother had allegedly gone to his elder brother’s house and opened fire.

No injuries were reported in the incident, and the elder brother escaped unharmed.

A police team led by Chief Inspector D.M.P. Bandara of Thanamalwila Police later arrested the suspect along with the firearm, which was identified as a locally manufactured weapon.

Preliminary investigations also revealed that both brothers have previous allegations linked to several crimes, including murder charges, intimidation using firearms, and possession of a live hand grenade.

The suspect is due to be produced before the Wellawaya Magistrate’s Court.