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Car used in Darley Road killing traced
Police yesterday traced the car which was allegedly used in the killing of a gangster at Darley Road on Friday when he was returning home after being released on bail by the Colombo Magistrate's Court. Police said a rival gang of Piryankara, the victim, had allegedly rented this car from Himbutana. After the shooting they had abandoned the car at Kotikawatte.

Priyankara had been remanded for an alleged triple murder at Magazine Road, Borella two years ago over a drug deal. Police have identified the gangsters who had allegedly killed Priyankara in broad daylight, but they have fled the area.

The shooting had taken place opposite the Fire Brigade around 11.30 a.m. in a crowded area. The gangsters had been following the van in which Priyankara and two others had been travelling from courts and as it reached the Fire Brigade junction the van had slowed down. The persons in the car had driven parallel to the van and had opened fire with two weapons.

They are suspected to have used a T 56 and a revolver. Police expressed concern about the incident which had taken place near a leading boys' school.

The incident had taken place shortly before the Montessori section had closed for the day. People at the scene of the incident had run away in fear. Eyewitnesses had provided the vehicle number of the alleged assassins.

Police had questioned the owner of the rent-a-car service and established the identity of the alleged killers.

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