Investigations into the shooting incident that targeted Parliamentarian Uddika Premarathne have been handed over to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) with immediate effect.

The Police Media Division said that the decision was taken on the instructions of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chandana D. Wickramaratne.

At around 10.35 p.m. on 17 September night, a group of unidentified gunmen had opened fire at Premarathne’s car soon after he returned to his residence in Anuradhapura. It was reported that the MP had escaped unharmed. The perpetrators, who had arrived in a car, had targeted the MP who was walking towards his home after parking his vehicle. The left rear door glass of Premarathne’s car was damaged in the gunfire that ensued. Police said that the gunmen are believed to have used a pistol.

Anuradhapura Police initiated investigations soon after the incident was reported and Special Task Force personnel were deployed to beef up the security near the MP’s house.