Police uncover plot to kill notorious gang leader

An investigation by the Peliyagoda Crime Division has uncovered a plot by the notorious underworld gang led by Kehelbaddara Padme to assassinate rival underworld figure Harak Kata. The plan involved using a hitman disguised as a journalist to carry out the murder during a court appearance.

The revelation came during the interrogation of an underworld operative known as ‘Gampaha Pas Dewa’, a close associate of Kehelbaddara Padme’s gang. Based on the intelligence gathered, police took immediate steps to double the security detail for Harak Kata during his recent court appearance.

Investigators believe the gang chose a journalist disguise as it would allow the assassin easier access to the target during transit or court proceedings, under the assumption that media personnel face less scrutiny in such environments.

This is not the first time such a tactic has been used by the gang. In a previous case, an underworld hitman disguised as a lawyer was deployed by Kehelbaddara Padme and Commando Salintha to assassinate underworld rival Ganemulla Sanjeewa inside a courtroom.

Police say ‘Pas Dewa’ is currently being questioned extensively, and that he has provided critical information not only about this assassination plot but also about other planned criminal activities.

The investigation is being led by Senior DIG for the Western Province Sanjeewa Dharmaratne, DIG for Western North Nishantha Zoysa, and Director of the Crime Branch Rohan Olugala, along with other senior officers.