Two leading underworld gang members wanted by Sri Lankan police in connection with multiple murders, along with a woman suspected in several fraud cases, have been arrested in Dubai, police said.
Among those arrested is Chooti Malli, identified as the main associate of notorious criminal Ranjith Kumara alias Konda Ranji. Police say Chooti Malli played a key role in orchestrating the shooting of the coordinating secretary to former Minister Mangala Samaraweera in Kandana.
Another suspect taken into custody is Ravin Chaminda Weerasinghe alias Puncha, a close associate of criminal Uragatha Indika. He is alleged to have been involved in a murder that took place in Elpitiya.
In addition, a woman wanted by Sri Lankan authorities in connection with several fraud cases has also been arrested. Police confirmed that she is a suspect in multiple financial crimes reported across the country.
According to police, a special team of six officers, including two female police officers, has departed for Dubai to facilitate the transfer of the suspects to Sri Lanka.
Meanwhile, Dubai authorities have informed Sri Lanka’s Criminal Investigation Department that Konda Ranji himself is also currently in their custody. Police said steps are being taken to bring him back to the island as soon as possible.
