‘Crucifixion’ case: Seven arrested
BALAGOLLA: Eight people including a so-called ‘holy man’ (Kattadiya) were arrested after they were alleged to have nailed two people to a make-shift cross at Balagolla, Kandy recently.
The two victims were allegedly abducted by the suspects and taken to a devala where the incident had taken place.
Initial investigations have revealed that the Kattadiya had been furious with the victims for sharing a defamatory post of a certain person on a social media platform.
The Kattadiya was taken into custody after he surrendered to the local police after remaining in hiding for six days after the incident.
Six-year-old used to steal jewellery
DAMBULLA: A three-member gang was taken into custody after they are alleged to have used a six-year-old girl to steal jewellery from shops.
The gang, which included two females and a 73-year-old man, were picked up after they were caught on a security camera.
According to the police, the suspects approach the unsuspecting staff at a store on the pretext of purchasing jewellery.
While this was happening the toddler, who had apparently been trained, stole valuable items.
Initial investigations have revealed that the suspects are alleged to have stolen items from several jewellery outlets over a considerable period.
Illegal casino busted
ALUTHGAMA: At least 26 people were rounded up during a raid on an illegal casino at a plush tourist resort in the Deep South.
The gambling operations were conducted in several luxury rooms of the hotel and were patronised by wealthy business persons.
The owner of the hotel was among those who were arrested.
The group was due to be charged with illegal gambling and for violating the Covid-19 health regulations.
It was only last week that police busted a similar gambling operation at a plush residence in Moratumulla and took into custody 11 people including six females.
Jilted lover stabs girl
DAMBULLA: A 16-year-old girl was recovering at the Dambulla hospital after she was allegedly stabbed by a jilted lover yesterday.
The victim, described as an orphan, was attacked while she was alone at home. The victim lives with her grandmother.
The police are hunting for a 26-year-old man in connection with the incident.
Doctors had performed a 10-hour life-saving surgery on the victim owing to the severity of the wounds.
Sexual harassment - bus crew held
HOROWPATHANA: The driver and conductor of a private passenger coach were arrested after they are alleged to have sexually molested a 19-year-old teenage girl in Horowpathana.
The incident had allegedly taken place on a lonely stretch of road and the girl was the only passenger in the bus.
The suspects were taken into custody following a complaint made by the victim to the local police.
Treasure hunters on the mat
POLICE HQ: Around 150 suspected treasure hunters have been rounded from different parts of the country during the past four months.
Most of them were arrested following information provided to the authorities by members of the public. Last year 200 treasure hunters were rounded up.