Ada Derana

Highly Factual

The Western Province North Crimes Division has arrested two suspects involved in an extortion racket of threatening businessmen over the phone and coercing them into transferring money online. The arrests were made in the early hours of March 21 in the Seenigalla East area, within the Deiyandara Police Division, following an investigation launched in response to multiple complaints, the police said. The suspects, aged 42 and 45, are residents of Deiyandara and Tissamaharama, according to police. Based on information obtained during their arrest, police recovered a foreign-made revolver with five rounds of ammunition, a locally-manufactured firearm, and ten rounds of 9mm ammunition. Police have obtained detention orders to conduct further investigations into the suspects’ alleged criminal activities. The Western Province North Crimes Division is continuing further investigations regarding the matter.

Ada Derana

Highly Factual

Three suspects, including popular Sri Lankan rapper and singer Amila Kaushan Gunaratne, known by his stage name ‘Shan Putha’, have been ordered to be detained for 7 days for questioning following their arrest for the possession of a firearm. The suspects were produced before the Matara Magistrate’s Court yesterday (14). ‘Shan Putha’ was arrested by the Homagama Police on the same day with a 9mm firearm in his possession. Along with him, two other individuals were taken into custody: Keshara Ishan, Shan Putha’s manager from Urubokka, and Police Constable Chandika Srimal, attached to the Mannar Police. Preliminary police investigations revealed that Constable Chandika Srimal had stolen the firearm from the Matara Kotawila Police Station and subsequently provided it to the artist. The three suspects were produced before the Matara Magistrate at around 10 p.m. yesterday (14). The suspects involved in the case are: After medical examinations, the suspects were ordered to be detained for 7 days at the Kotawila Police Station for further questioning and investigation.

Ada Derana

Highly Factual

The popular Sri Lankan rapper and singer known as ‘Shan Putha,’ who was arrested for the possession of a 9mm firearm, has been granted bail by the court. Shan Putha’s manager, who was also taken into custody in connection with the case, has also been granted bail. They were ordered to be released on a surety bail of Rs. 500,000 each after being produced before the Matara Magistrate’s Court. The Magistrate also ordered the Police Constable, who allegedly provided the firearm to the artist, to be remanded until April 4. On March 14, Shan Putha was arrested by Homagama Police for the possession of a 9mm firearm. According to police reports, a Police Constable attached to the Mannar Police and Shan Putha’s manager were also taken into custody in connection with the case. Investigations revealed that the Police Constable in question had allegedly stolen the firearm from the Matara Kotuwila Police Station and provided it to the artist.

Daily Mirror

Highly Factual

Colombo, March 23 (Daily Mirror) - The Western Province North Crimes Division arrested two suspects involved in an extortion racket, where they threaten businessmen over the phone and force them to transfer money online. Investigations revealed that the suspects had threatened a businessman in Peliyagoda and demanded to deposit Rs. 100,000 through online banking. Police said the arrests were made in the Seenigalla East area, within the Deiyandara Police Division, following multiple complaints. The suspects, aged 42 and 45, are identified as residents of Deiyandara and Tissamaharama. During the arrest, police seized a foreign-made revolver with five rounds of ammunition, a locally-manufactured firearm, and ten rounds of 9mm ammunition. Police said the suspects have been  detained for further investigations.

Daily Mirror

Factual

Colombo, March 14 (Daily Mirror) - The popular musical artist Shan Putha has been arrested for possessing a 9mm firearm.