Galle Road blocked at Rathgama due to protest over murders

Galle Road has been blocked for traffic at Rathgama due to a protest by villagers and relatives of the two businessmen who were reported killed, Ada Derana regards said.

The protest has been launched against the abduction and murder of two businessmen from Boossa, Rathgama. Two top police officers have been arrested in connection with the incident so far.

Around 250 protesters comprised of relatives of the victims and villagers had blocked the road demonstrating against the police and demanding justice.

This had resulted in vehicular movement on the Galla-Colombo Road coming to a complete halt while severe traffic congestion has been reported in the area.

The protesters had also proceeded to block the coastal line railway track at Ratgama, Ada Derana reporter said.

Police Spokesman SP Ruwan Gunasekara told reporters yesterday that investigations into the incident have uncovered that the two businessmen were abducted on January 23 and murdered before their remains were taken to another location and burned.

An Inspector of Police and a Sub Inspector attached to the Special Crimes Investigating Unit of Southern Province were arrested over the murders while the interrogation of the latter had led to the CID identifying the location where the two bodies were burned.

33-year-old Manjula Asela, and 31-year-old Rasen Chinthaka, were taken away by a group of persons in police uniforms who had arrived in a van and a car at around 10 a.m. on 23rd of January. Both individuals had been at the residence of Manjula Asela at the time of the incident.