STF nabs key suspect in Kalutara prison bus attack

A key suspect wanted in connection with the prison bus attack in Kalutara has been arrested. Police Headquarters said the suspect was taken into custody while hiding in Sella Kataragama yesterday. The arrest was made by a team of intelligence officers from the Police Special Task Force (STF).  

The suspect, who police said was also involved in drug smuggling, is the first person alleged to have been directly involved in the attack to have been arrested. Two others, including a woman were arrested earlier on charges of aiding and abetting those involved in the attack. The man was arrested for allegedly conducting surveillance for the attackers while the woman was apprehended from Galle on charges of providing refuge to the attackers after they fled the scene of the ambush. 

Five prisoners and two prison officers were killed when gunmen, some dressed in police uniforms, ambushed two prison buses at Ethanamadala, Kalutara on February 27. Notorious underworld leader 'Samayan' was among those killed in the attack. Between six to 10 persons are believed to have taken part in the attack. 

Police say the suspects are currently hiding out in various parts of the country and several special police teams operating on the instructions of Inspector General of Police (IGP) Pujith Jayasundara, under the supervision of Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police (SDIG) (Western Range) Nandana Munasinghe and STF Commandant SDIG M.R. Latheef are conducting investigations to arrest all suspects involved. 

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