Investigators have uncovered a plot by the underworld gang, led by Kehelbaddara Padme and Commando Salintha, to assassinate underworld figure ‘Harak Kata’ by targeting a prison bus, transporting him to court, with a Claymore mine.
The plan came to light during the interrogation of an Army Lieutenant Colonel arrested on allegations of supplying weapons to a criminal known as Commando Salintha. The officer reportedly admitted that Salintha had repeatedly called him, requesting Claymore mines. Investigators suspect that the Lieutenant Colonel may have supplied two such devices to the gang.
According to police, the gang had prepared a backup plan in case their earlier attempt, where an assassin disguised as a journalist tried to kill ‘Harak Kata,’ using a pistol hidden in a camera, failed. In the new plan, the Claymore mine was to be concealed on a motorcycle near the Hulftsdorp Court complex and detonated remotely as the prison bus carrying Harak Kata approached.
Police sources said the arrests of Padme, Salintha, and their associates, prevented what could have been a major disaster. The individual involved in the earlier camera-weapon plot and the firearm intended for use had already been taken into custody. Following the gang’s arrest, the plan to assassinate ‘Harak Kata’ was abandoned, and the modified camera with the weapon concealed in it was destroyed.
The Lieutenant Colonel, accused of supplying arms to Salintha, was arrested by the Peliyagoda Crimes Division and is currently being held by the CID for further questioning.
By Norman Palihawadane and Hemantha Randunu