Dreaded torture chamber operator nabbed in Wennappuwa

An accomplice of 'Olu Mara' who is alleged to have maintained a torture chamber in a house in Sirigampola, Wennapuwa, identified as 'Ran Chamara', has been taken into custody on suspicion by a team of Wennappuwa police officers on Wednesday in the Kirimetiyana area.

At the time of the arrest, the suspect had 2g and 200 mg of heroin in his possession. 'Olu Mara' who had been operating a criminal gang in Wennappuwa, was taken into custody previously, produced before the Marawila Magistrate Court and is presently under remand custody.

During a check on Olu Mara's Mobile phone, the pictures in that revealed the existence of this torture chamber, and with the arrest of Ran Chamara, it was proven that these suspects had been torturing youth. After observing the images and video clips on the mobile phone, Ran Chamara was arrested. It was clear from these clips that the abducted youth were detained in the torture chamber and were subject to various acts of torture. Another seven suspects who were allegedly involved in this crime were identified and as these suspects had fled the area, the police had launched a search operation.

The Chilaw police advised that the suspect who was arrested has been charged for homicide, assaulting individuals and trafficking in heroin among several charges and court actions pending at the Marawila and Chilaw Magistrates' courts. The suspect was taken into custody by the special raid conducted under the direction of Wennappuwa ASP Eric Perera.

Sources revealed that an individual who had criticised the actions of this gang had been abducted by the 'Olu Mara' gang and taken to this torture chamber and after tying his hands and feet, nails were driven into his feet. Police had been now able to identify this victim as well. Fearing a backlash, this victim had not complained to the police and had obtained medical treatment on the sly. Police also revealed that the youth who was abducted and brought to the torture chamber had undergone inhuman assault where their feet were cut open and salt and chilli powder were rubbed on the open wounds.

The victims had not brought these inhuman acts of these suspects to the police fearing repercussion. Police are to summon these victims as well in due course to record their statements. (Srinath Prasanna Jayasuriya)