Nine individuals have been arrested in connection with an alleged plot to assassinate businessman Osman Gunasekara and several others.
On the 19th, in the Gampaha area, the Special Task Force (STF) arrested seven suspects along with two T-56 firearms. Two additional individuals were arrested later, bringing the total to nine. Reports indicate that two former commandos are among those arrested. The Investigation Department stated that the seven initially arrested suspects will be questioned after obtaining detention orders.
It has been revealed that the underworld figure Kehelbaddara Padme is behind the assassination attempt, and the arrested individuals are believed to be his followers.
There have been three previous attempts to assassinate Osman, two of which were carried out by organized criminal Ganemulla Sanjeewa.
Following the murder of Ganemulla Sanjeewa, Kehelbaddara Padme has been attempting to seize control of the underworld. He is allegedly targeting Osman Gunasekara because Osman has built a strong opposition in Gampaha that resists extortion and drug trafficking aimed at local businessmen.
It has also been reported that Osman Gunasekara has successfully thwarted Padme’s previous attempts.
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