Police are investigating whether the fatal grenade attack on a house in Dehiwala that killed two children may have resulted from the attackers targeting the wrong residence.
According to Police information released during the investigation, officers are examining whether the intended target may instead have been people associated with a neighbouring residence.
Investigators have received information linking people associated with that neighbouring property to alleged narcotics activity.
Victims
The September 11 attack killed two boys aged 11 and 17.
Their father, aged 55, was also injured.
Police have said they are not aware of criminal allegations against the injured father.
Investigative hypothesis only
Police are examining whether the attackers may have incorrectly identified their intended target.
This is a Police investigative theory.
It is not an established court finding.
Likewise:
- alleged drug links involving neighbouring individuals remain allegations;
- no attacker has been publicly established as guilty;
- any organised-crime connection remains under investigation.
Investigation
Police have deployed three investigation teams.
Investigators are also examining whether the attack could be connected to another grenade incident in the Kalubowila area.
A three-wheeler suspected of having been used in the fatal attack was subsequently found abandoned.
No motive or perpetrator has been established by Police or a court in the information available for this report.