Two individuals have been arrested for demanding a ransom of Rs. 10 million and forcibly obtaining Rs. 2 million from a resident in Badalgama, police confirmed.
The arrests were made by the Negombo Division Criminal Investigation Unit following a complaint lodged on June 9, which alleged that the victim and his child had received death threats from the suspects after the ransom demand.
Acting on intelligence, officers carried out a raid on June 17 in Dambathure, Seeduwa, resulting in the arrest of two suspects aged 32 and 46, who are residents of Metiyagane and Kotugoda.
During the investigation, it was revealed that the suspects had used the names of two well-known organized criminals—who were not involved in the crime—to instill fear in the victim.
The police seized several items linked to the extortion, including a toy pistol, the motorcycle used during the crime, a newly purchased motorcycle, and a three-wheeler reportedly bought with the extorted funds.
Additionally, multiple mobile phones, SIM cards, ATM cards from various banks, and vehicle documents were taken into custody.
The Badalgama Police are continuing further investigations into the incident.
