Gang of four treasure hunters arrested in raid

A gang of four suspected treasure hunters were arrested and the machinery and equipment used by them seized by the Tangalle police during a raid in Pallikudawa in Kadurupokuna in the early hours of last morning. A grilling machine, an electrically operated water pump, plastic pipes, trays of offerings to the spirits were among the equipment seized during the raid.

The suspects were from Lunugamvehera, Hungama, and Gandara areas and were between 28 and 43 years of age with one of them being the owner of the nearby house

The suspects were from Lunugamvehera, Hungama, and Gandara areas and were between 28 and 43 years of age with one of them being the owner of the nearby house. The exorcist from the Tissamaharama area who performed rites and rituals to dispel evil spirits had fled during the raid and evaded arrest.

Investigations revealed that the suspects had been digging the pit for more than a month.

The suspects were to be produced before the Tangalle magistrate last morning.

HQI Tangalle, CI Lal Chandrasiri, SI Ariyaratne, Sergeants 28488 Samantha and 43041 Nandadasa, PCS 70121 Chandana, 52655 Ananda, 73565 Priyankara, 4311 Buddhika and 21085 Cyril carried out the raid on the instructions of SPS A Gamlath and Laksiri Geethal.