By Tragic Triple Murder in Middeniya: Key Suspect Arrested
Major Breakthrough in the Investigation
Police have arrested the primary gunman involved in the brutal triple homicide that took place recently in Weeraketiya, Middeniya. The Police Media Division confirmed that a total of eight suspects, including two police constables and two former military personnel, have been taken into custody in connection with the murders.
The shocking crime, which occurred on the night of February 18 on the Weeraketiya-Middeniya road near the 9th-mile post in Galpoththayaya, claimed the lives of 39-year-old Aruna Widanagamage, alias ‘Kajja’, and his two young children, a six-year-old daughter and a nine-year-old son.
Reconstructing the Events of the Night
According to police investigations, Aruna Widanagamage was traveling on a motorcycle with his three children to a shop in Galpoththayaya to buy dinner. He left his eldest child at the location while taking his two younger children to another shop for additional purchases. It was during this time that unidentified gunmen opened fire on him and his children.
The sudden attack caused Kajja to lose control of his motorcycle, resulting in all three victims falling onto the road. The gunmen continued their assault, fatally wounding the father and his two children. Nearby residents rushed the victims to the hospital, but all three succumbed to their injuries.
Who Was ‘Kajja’?
Aruna Widanagamage, widely known as ‘Kajja’, was a well-known figure in Middeniya, Weeraketiya, and Tangalle. His primary source of income reportedly came from debt collection and extortion-related activities. He was also accused of forcibly entering illicit businesses, terrorizing locals, and even illegally possessing a T-56 assault rifle without a license. Multiple cases were pending against him in various courts. Due to repeated death threats, he had been living in hiding for some time.
Police Investigation and Arrests
The police launched an extensive investigation, uncovering crucial evidence at the crime scene. Among the significant findings was a pair of handcuffs near the bodies, raising suspicions that the crime may have involved law enforcement officers. Another suspicious element was a set of footprints, which led investigators to suspect that someone may have tampered with the crime scene post-murder.
Following a detailed forensic analysis, police traced the suspects, leading to the arrest of a police constable attached to the Tangalle Division. Further interrogations revealed that another police officer from Weeraketiya Police Station had supplied ammunition to the assassins. Additionally, two former army personnel, who had later legally left the military, were also implicated in the crime.
Motive Behind the Killings
While authorities have yet to confirm an official motive, speculation surrounds drug trade conflicts, personal enmities, and land disputes as possible reasons for the murders. Investigators continue to probe whether Kajja’s involvement in criminal activities and territorial disputes played a role in his assassination.
Legal Proceedings and Next Steps
The arrested suspects have been produced before the court and placed in remand custody. They face serious charges including murder, illegal possession of firearms, and conspiracy to commit homicide. The investigation remains ongoing as law enforcement officials work to unravel any additional connections to the crime.
The tragic deaths of Kajja and his children have sent shockwaves through the region, with locals demanding swift justice and stronger law enforcement measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
