TREASURE HUNTING OCEAN UNIVERSITY STUDENTS NABBED

Eight suspects including five final year students of the Ocean University in Tangalla have been arrested early morning on Saturday (11) while they were allegedly engaged in treasure hunting near the Ambanganga forest Reserve in Ulpotha Madawala, Matale, the Mahawela police said.

The suspects were residents of Galle, Rathgama, Nuwara Eliya, Kothmale, Ampara, Uhana, Kuruwita and Matale.

When the arrest was made on information received by OIC Saranath Samarakone, they found a pit that had been reportedly dug using a mortar to remove the water.

A university student had performed as the exorcist in rites relating to

A university student had performed as the exorcist in rites relating to the removal of the treasure. They were all found semi-naked when the arrest was made according to the police. Residents in the area believe the forest area has hidden treasures and police suspect the treasure hunting was done with the assistance of a resident of the same area

the removal of the treasure. They were all found semi-naked when the arrest was made according to the police.

Residents in the area believe the forest area has hidden treasures and police suspect the treasure hunting was done with the assistance of a resident of the same area. Among the items taken into custody by the police were a water motor, two swords, mamoty, cross bars, items for offering and a fowl. The suspects when they were produced in courts on Saturday (11) were remanded till the 21st by the Matale Magistrate and Additional District Judge Sampath Gamage.

The suspects were arrested under the instructions of the Senior DIG of the Central Province, G.B. Peramuna.