Residents perturbed by activities of armed gang

BY SARATH Malalasekera

INSPECTOR General of Police Chandra Fernando has deployed a high level police team to conduct investigations into a complaint that he had received in connection with an underworld gang operating in the Thalawathugoda and Hokandara South Police areas.

The complaint stated that a gang of heavily armed criminals with military training have been sited in and around the Thalawathugoda and Hokandara South Police areas.

According to the complaint a businessman from the area is leading the gang. This gang is involved in various criminal activities and have a past record.

Their criminal activities are collecting ransom, contract killings, armed robbery, murder and intimidation of the general public and common thuggery.

A majority of this gang including its leaders are currently out on bail.

This gang has increased its crime rate during the last few weeks and it is known through a reliable source that they have armed themselves with sophisticated weapons, including military issue firearms and are in preparation to go on another killing spree.

The Mirihana Police have been notified of this gang activities while on bail, the complaint added, but they are allowed to operate freely through alleged influence with the Vice Squad of the Mirihana Police.