Robbers netted with loot

Senarath BANDARA KULASEKERA

Five suspects involved in a robbery of jewellery and other goods worth Rs 3 million from a pawn shop at Sirimapura, Rajangane on April 26 have been arrested by the Tambuttegama Police along with the loot.

Police who went into action soon after a complaint was made by the shop owner on April 27 arrested two suspects at Rajangane Tract One and Paluwewa. The third suspect, a driver of a lorry used in the robbery was arrested near the Kalaoya temple.

Two other suspects who were playing truant were arrested from a house in a jungle area in Rajangane.

Following interrogation, Police recovered part of the loot hidden on the sprout of a 25 ft tall coconut tree and the other part buried in a banana plantation in the area.

Police said the suspects are in the 20-30 age group. They also recovered nine mobile phones, a camera and several mortgage receipts from the suspects’ possession.

The suspects were due to be produced in the Tambuttegama Magistrate’s Court.

A Police team led by OIC Chief Inspector Vipula Seneviratne conducted the operation.