Extortion racketeers in police custody

Rafik JALALDEEN

A special Police Intelligence team nabbed a group of racketeers who were carrying out a series of extortions from businessmen in the Kotte area.

A suspect who attempted to hurl a hand grenade was arrested by police.

Police spokesman Senior DIG Nimal Mediwake said a businessman has lodged a complaint with the Talangama police that he was threatened by a group of extortionists to pay Rs.500,000 as ransom.

A special team from Talangama police pursuing the complaint conducted a thorough investigation to net the suspects.

“It was revealed that the group was extorting from the business community and carrying out other crimes in Talawathugoda, Battaramulla and surrounding areas”, he added.

“The extortionists had directed the victim to bring the money near the Maharagama Teacher Training School.

When the victim was handing over Rs.200,000 to the extortionist, police nabbed the suspects,” DIG Mediwake said.

The extortionists who had come on a trishaw attempted to hurl a hand grenade at the police team. Police fired at the suspects. The suspects who suffered leg injuries were admitted to the Kalubowila hospital.

Police seized the Rs.200,000, a trishaw and an unexploded hand grenade.