A businessman who purchased a pistol and ammunition from underworld leader Kehelbaddara Padme (KP) has been arrested.
Initial investigations revealed that the pistol and 13 rounds of ammunition had been purchased for Rs. 350,000, police said.
The arrest was made by the Peliyagoda Crime Division, following a tip-off received by ASP Rohan Olugala and Chief Inspector Linton Silva. The businessman was apprehended in Minuwangoda along with a pistol and 13 rounds of ammunition.
Under interrogation, the businessman revealed that he had purchased the pistol from Padme to protect himself against Hinatiyana Mahesh, another underworld figure, who allegedly had threatened him with death after he refused to pay extortion money last year.
The businessman said he had initially agreed to pay Rs. 500,000 for the weapon, which was later reduced to Rs. 350,000.
by Norman Palihawadane and Hemantha Randunu