Akuregoda murders: A gunman and two vehicles arrested, main suspect flees to Thailand

A gunman has been arrested in connection with the shooting death of a lawyer and his wife in the Akuregoda area. Meanwhile, police say that a main suspect, who allegedly brought the gunman to a lodging in Pannipitiya before this double murder, has fled to Thailand.

Two vehicles connected to the murder were also taken into custody by the Criminal Investigation Department this afternoon (21).

The person suspected of fleeing to Thailand is a resident of the Kahaduwa area. Police state that information has been received indicating he is a close associate of the criminal known as 'Karandeniye Sudda,' who is suspected of orchestrating this murder.

A Prius-type car, suspected of being used to transport the gunmen, was taken into custody this afternoon by the Western South Criminal Investigation Division from a house in the Kahaduwa area within the Elpitiya police division. This vehicle was discovered based on information received from suspects previously arrested in connection with the incident.

Furthermore, the Criminal Investigation Department has also taken into custody the car rented by the suspect who fled the country to travel to Katunayake International Airport. The police further state that this shooting occurred on the 13th of last month, and in the days leading up to it, specifically from the 10th to the 12th, the arrested Prius vehicle was used to transport the gunmen between Kadawatha and Kottawa.