Police investigations have revealed that the incident of a 19-year-old youth being abducted, strangled, and drowned in the Kelani River was carried out under the direction of 02 overseas-based organised crime figures and drug traffickers identified as 'Palani Rimoshan' and 'Kotahena Aravinda'.
In connection with the killing, 05 suspects have been arrested by the Special Task Force (STF), along with the luxury vehicle allegedly used in the abduction. The suspects and the vehicle were later handed over to Mattakkuliya Police.
The victim has been identified as Sri Kandan Baththikkumar, a resident of Bloemendhal Road, Colombo 14.
According to investigations, the suspects had abducted the youth in a vehicle on April 22 and transported him to the Kelani River bank near Delgahawatta Junction in Mattakkuliya, where he was strangled to death, drowned in the Kelani River. The suspects had fled the scene soon after.
Following a tip-off received by STF officers attached to the Jayawardenapura Camp, coordinated raids were carried out in the Pamunugama, Peliyagoda, and Wellampitiya police divisions, leading to the arrest of 05 suspects.
The suspects, aged between 23 - 36, are residents of areas including Wandiya Uyana in Colombo 15, Mattakkuliya, and Pudugama.
Meanwhile, the police also seized around 23 g and 750 mg of Crystal Methamphetamine (“Ice”), along with 03 mobile phones from the suspects.
Investigations are underway under the direction of SSP Eric Perera of the Colombo North Division, by a team led by OIC of Mattakkuliya Police - CI D.G. Gunaratne.
(Source: Aruna)
2 overseas crime figures linked to teen's murder at Kelani River
