Nearly 200 inmates charged with murder over killing of 8 prison officers

Nearly 200 inmates at Meeghamuwa prison are to be charged with murder following the killing of eight prison officers, police headquarters announced. The incident, which has prompted a large-scale investigation by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), is believed to have been orchestrated by 13 inmates, including known criminals Suresh and "Burumuna."

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Nearly 200 inmates will be charged with murder.

CID teams are actively pursuing the investigation, utilizing video footage to identify suspects. A senior police official revealed that several weapons were found in the possession of the suspects, and a separate inquiry is underway to determine how these arms entered the prison. The police have also initiated a special investigation into the prison's armory.

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Information has been revealed that this crime was led by thirteen criminals including Suresh and Burumuna.

Deputy Inspector General of Police Chandana Kodithuwakku stated that a comprehensive investigation is ongoing and all involved inmates will face charges. The incident has highlighted concerns about organized crime within the prison system. Authorities have noted that 16 prisons across the island house organized criminals, prompting the Ministry of Justice and the Prison Department to increase their focus on these facilities.

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The Criminal Investigation Department has launched a comprehensive investigation into this incident.

Furthermore, investigations have uncovered that 10,804 weapons were smuggled into the country from foreign nations via sea routes, often alongside narcotics, according to Kodithuwakku. This discovery underscores a significant security challenge and the potential for further illicit activities within and outside the prison system.

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10,804 weapons were brought into the country from foreign countries.