Underworld figure D Manju shot dead

• Suspect shot and killed in STF retaliatory fire
• Two more suspects arrested

By Skandha Gunasekara

An underworld figure known as Dadallage Manju was shot and killed yesterday in a Special Task Force (STF) operation in Wattala.

Police Media Spokesman SP Ruwan Gunasekara told Daily FT that an STF team had been deployed to investigate a suspicious van near St. Anne’s Church in Wattala. “When the STF officers went to inspect the van, the suspect had opened fire,” SP Gunasekara said, adding that Manju, alias ‘D Manju’, was shot and killed when the STF shot back in retaliation. The incident took place around 1.30pm yesterday.

The STF had been tasked with searching the van for drugs, following a tipoff. Two more suspects, who had also been in the van, were arrested. A 9mm pistol was also confiscated from the van. Wattala police are conducting further investigations.