Gang leaders shot dead

Rafik Jalaldeen and Lunugamwehera Group Correspondent R. Piyasena

Police shot dead two gang leaders who tried to hurl a hand grenade after firing shots in an escape bid. The incident occurred in Katuwana on Monday night.

The suspects have been identified as C. Abeysiriwardana (23) and G. Jayasundara alias Renu (22), residents of Walasmulla were arrested in Katuwana at around 12.30 pm on Sunday.

“Both suspects were on the most wanted list for terrorising the area, committing many crimes including murdering a Police Constable and robbery of Rs. 20 million in Kataragama”, Katuwana police OIC Chaminda Rajapakse said.

According to OIC Rajapakse the suspects had burgled two houses in Gangurandeniya, Katuwana in the wee hours of Saturday and were returning with the loot when they were spotted by a police patrol.

“Police on suspicion questioned the two suspects who bolted. On Sunday the suspects were arrested with the assistance of villagers”, the OIC added.

“Following interrogation both suspects had revealed the spot where weapons were hidden “, OIC Rajapakse said.

He said a police team from Katuwana accompanied both suspects to the Meemanakeladeniya area in Katuwana to seize the weapons on Monday night.

One of the criminals was an Army deserter and responsible for many criminal activities including murders in Colombo.

Police recovered two pistols, two hand grenades and stolen jewellery worth around Rs. 100,000 from the suspects along with Rs. 50,000 cash.

Katuwana police is conducting the investigations.