A 'fake police' gang robbing lovers coming to Ellakanda

A group posing as police officers, who robbed money and mobile phones from lovers and youths visiting the beautiful Aellakanda Sundara Piyasa in Horana by intimidating them, has been arrested by the Horana Headquarters Police. A woman and two young men were arrested while hiding in a house in the Govinna area.

On the 10th, these suspects, after inspecting two Muslim youths who came to the Aellakanda premises, claimed to be police officers and took possession of their money, wallets, and a valuable Apple mobile phone. Although the suspects left, stating that the items could be retrieved from a shop located below, the victimized youths complained to the Horana Police as the items were not found at that location.

While investigations into that incident were ongoing, on the evening of the 13th, this group again disguised themselves as police officers and snatched money and phones from a young woman from Dombagoda and a young man from Kegalle who were at Aellakanda. During this incident, the suspects continuously assaulted the young woman, leading her boyfriend to resist and assault the suspects, after which the suspects held the young woman hostage.

As the boyfriend attempted to call the 119 emergency number, a conflict erupted between the two parties, resulting in injuries to the main suspect's right hand, and the couple also sustained injuries. The young man's spectacles were also damaged during this struggle.

Investigations were launched based on information received by Police Sergeant Janaka (14934), and inquiries were conducted using security camera footage and external descriptions of the suspects. It was revealed that they were hiding in a house in the Govinna area, after which the police successfully raided the said house and arrested them.

Those arrested include a 25-year-old woman residing in the Dihenagama Pura area and two young men aged 27 and 28. Police investigations have revealed that they are heavily addicted to 'Ice' (crystal methamphetamine) and committed these robberies to find money to purchase drugs.

Since lovers visiting such places might not complain to the police due to fear, Horana Police are conducting further investigations to ascertain if these suspects have been involved in similar crimes before. The arrested suspects are scheduled to be presented to court and then subjected to an identification parade.