Police suspect that the shooting death of the mother of Nirmala Prasanga alias “Backhoe Saman,” who is currently being held at the Boossa High-Security Prison, was carried out in retaliation for the killing of underworld figure Ganemulla Sanjeewa.

Police further suspect that the shooting was carried out by a faction linked to Karandeniya Sudda, who is believed to be hiding overseas.

Backhoe Saman was reportedly arrested in Indonesia along with Kehelbaddara Padme, following information that both had allegedly assisted in the killing of Ganemulla Sanjeewa. Backhoe Saman has also been accused in connection with the killings of an individual known as ‘Kajjaa’ and his two children, according to police.

Meanwhile, the motorcycle allegedly used by the suspects involved in the murder of the mother of Backhoe Saman’ has been found abandoned in Urubokka, police said.

Police said the motorcycle was found near a culvert after being abandoned in a tea estate along the Urubokka–Matara road.

The motorcycle was recovered by Urubokka Police based on information received, police said.

The shooting took place yesterday (12) when two unidentified individuals arrived at a house in the Ulahitiyawa area within the Middeniya Police Division and fled after opening fire.

The victim, the mother of ‘Backhoe Saman’, was critically injured in the shooting and later succumbed to her injuries after being admitted to the Middeniya Hospital, according to Police.

A pistol-type firearm is suspected to have been used in the shooting.