Notorious Sri Lankan drug kingpin shot dead in court

Ganemulle Sanjeeva, a noted underworld figure and accused drug dealer, was shot dead inside a courthouse in Colombo on Wednesday by a gunman disguised as a lawyer. He was shot at close range during a bail hearing and was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital. The shooting occurred despite Sanjeeva being escorted by commandos from the elite Special Task Force, who were responsible for his security. Authorities recovered a revolver used in the attack and have identified the gunman, prompting a manhunt. This incident highlights a troubling trend in Sri Lanka, where nine people have been killed in similar gang-related shootings this year. Sanjeeva had previously fled the country but was arrested in September 2023 upon his return from Nepal and was facing multiple criminal charges.