Underworld gangsters Sara Malli and Cheeti arrested

Close associates of notorious criminal Alawalage Sarath Kumara alias Angoda Lokka alias Cheeti and Sarath Panditharatne alias Sara Malli were arrested in two separate raids in Angoda and Boralesgamuwa, Police Spokesman Ruwan Gunasekera said yesterday. “41-year-old Cheeti was arrested by the STF while he was at his residence at Kotikawatte in Angoda on Monday and a hand grenade, which was in his possession taken into custody,” he said adding that the gangster had also been arrested on earlier occasions on charges of possessing firearms.

He was handed over to the Police Organized Crimes Investigations Unit for further investigations.

Meanwhile, the Boralesgamuwa Police arrested Sara Malli on a tip off received to the 119 Police hotline. He was taken into custody from his residence at Pitawella in Boralesgamuwa.

SP Gunasekera said the suspect was wanted in connection with several killings, robberies and a rape case and believed to be involved with the bomb attack at the Matugama Court premises. He said Sara Malli was also wanted for the killing of underworld gangster Kosgoda Loku, who was shot dead at Welipenna in May last year.

The raid was conducted by Police personnel led by Boralesgamuwa OIC IP Priyanka Silva, SI Gamlath, Police Sergeant (36763) Saman, PC (3073) Chandana and PC (85130) Pathum.