Links between criminals and cops revealed

By Hemantha Randunu

Investigations have uncovered links between the Badowita underworld network and some police personnel, following the recovery of a T-56 assault rifle and 30 rounds of ammunition that had been handed over to the gang by a fugitive constable.

The constable, who was attached to the Mount Lavinia Police, fled to Dubai after providing his service firearm to the gang led by underworld figure ‘Badowita Asanka’. It has now been revealed that he had agreed to join Asanka’s criminal network upon his arrival in Dubai.

According to police sources, the fugitive officer is currently in Dubai with Asanka, while Sri Lankan authorities are working to obtain an Interpol Red Notice to facilitate his extradition.

A second police constable, who is believed to have had close ties with the fugitive, was previously arrested by the Mount Lavinia Police. He remains in custody under a detention order and is undergoing extensive questioning.

Investigators say the suspect officer has provided crucial information, exposing further connections between members of the police force and the Badowita underworld.

On 8 February, the fugitive officer left for duty carrying a T-56 rifle and 30 rounds of ammunition. Instead of reporting for work, he handed the weapon over to the underworld and later that night departed for Dubai.

During the subsequent investigation, Mount Lavinia Police arrested a suspected member of the Badowita gang. Under interrogation, the suspect revealed that the weapon and ammunition had been buried behind his house. Police later recovered the items and confirmed that the suspect was a close associate of Badowita Asanka.