Police have arrested three suspects, including a woman, in connection with the double homicide near the Devundara Sri Vishnu Devalaya in Matara on Friday (21).

According to the Police, initial investigations have pointed them towards the prime suspect behind the killings of notorious crime figure Shehan Sathsara, also known by the alias ‘Bale Malli’. Sathsara is believed to be hiding in Dubai.

The attack stemmed from a dispute between the two victims, identified as Pasindu Tharaka (29) and Yomesh Nadeeshan, and Bale Malli, the Police suspects.

The shooting occurred at around 11:45 p.m. on Sinhasana Road, in front of the Southern entrance of the Devundara Sri Vishnu Devalaya on Friday (21).

Two unidentified gunmen, who arrived in a van, had rammed the victims’ motorcycle before opening fire with a T-56 assault rifle and 9 mm firearms, the Police said.