Gampola ATM robbers were twins, family members

The seven suspects arrested in connection with the ATM robbery of Gampola include four members from the same family

and twins from another family, police said. The ATM machine of a private bank in Gampola was removed and taken away by these suspects on January 25 using a rented van with cash to the value of Rs.7.6 million in it.

Police arrested three of the suspects in Galaha, two in Gampola and another two in Puttalam areas who are in the ages between 24 and 40 on Tuesday (14) and the ATM machine was also recovered in a precipice of 200 meters. The machine has been taken into the police custody.

In addition, a pistol which is said to have been stolen from MP Ali Sabry Raheem’s home in Puttalam last year and its magazine was also recovered by the police from the possession of the suspects.

The Gampola Police conducting investigations into the incident have been able to recover Rs.1.8 million in cash out of the stolen amount, a van worth Rs.1.3 million, a motorbike worth Rs.200, 000, two gold necklaces worth Rs.190, 000 and Rs.150,000, two washing machines worth Rs.114, 000 and Rs.60, 000, three mobile phones worth Rs.264,000, a gold ring worth Rs.33,000 and a gas cooker worth Rs.7,000 bought by the suspects using the stolen money.

The suspects have also carried out several financial transactions through banks with this money and police are yet to recover more items bought by the suspects using this money, Police Media Spokesman Attorney, SSP Nihal Talduwa said.

Police investigations have revealed that although some of these suspects are residents of Puttalam, they have had close contacts with the Gampola area as they had attended the schools there.

They have also robbed the Samurdhi bank in Gampola and two jewellery shops on previous occasions, it has been revealed, the media spokesman said.

Police were to produce the suspects before the court yesterday and expected to obtain a Detention Order against them, he said.

Investigations into the incident are being carried out under the direct supervision of the SSP in charge of the Gampola Division.