Two arrested over Rs. 10 Mn ransom demand

Colombo, June 18 (Daily Mirror) - Two suspects were arrested by the Negombo Divisional Criminal Investigation Bureau for demanding a ransom of Rs. 10 million and extorting Rs. 2 million from the victim.

According to police, investigations were launched following a complaint from a resident of Badalgama, who reported receiving death threats targeting him and his child if the ransom was not paid.

Acting on a tip-off, officers from the Negombo Divisional Criminal Investigation Bureau conducted a raid in Seeduwa yesterday (17) and arrested two suspects. The suspects, aged 32 and 46, are residents of Matiyagane and Kotugoda, respectively. They were handed over to the Badalgama Police Station.

Investigations revealed that the suspects had falsely used the names of two well-known organised criminals to intimidate the complainant. However, police said that those individuals were not involved in the incident.

Items recovered by the police include a toy pistol used in the crime, the motorcycle used during the extortion, a modern motorcycle, and a three-wheeler allegedly purchased with the ransom money. 

Several mobile phones used in the crime, along with SIM cards, ATM cards from various banks, and vehicle documents, were also seized.

The Badalgama Police are conducting further investigations.