Two individuals suspected to be gunmen linked to underworld figure ‘Loku Patty’ have been arrested following a shootout with police personnel from the Walana Anti-Vice Squad in the Maha Induruwa area of Kosgoda, police said.

One of the suspects was injured in the shootout and has been hospitalised under custody.

Police opened fire on the two suspects, who were allegedly on their way to carry out a murder in the Maha Induruwa area of Kosgoda, officials said.

Accordingly, one of the suspects sustained gunshot injuries and has been hospitalised under police custody, while the other was arrested, police said.

Police suspect that a gunman affiliated with the ‘Loku Patty’ faction had attempted to target a member of the ‘Karandeniya Sudda’ faction.

The suspected gunman was injured when the police opened fire as he attempted to flee after being apprehended, according to the police.

Two firearms in the possession of the suspects were also taken into police custody, officials said.

The shooting occurred during a special operation carried out by the Walana Anti-Vice Squad.

Police suspect that the shooting attempt was carried out by the ‘Loku Patty’ faction in retaliation for the killing of ‘Podi Patty’, the brother of organised crime figure ‘Loku Patty’, who is currently in remand custody.

‘Podi Patty’ was shot dead in the Welikanda area of Ahungalla on October 1, 2026.

The gunman who carried out that killing had reportedly arrived on foot, shot ‘Podi Patty’ and fled the scene on foot, police said.

Police suspect that the latest shooting attempt was carried out by the ‘Loku Patty’ faction in retaliation for that killing.