Two arrested for attempting multi-million dollar fraud involving valuable Hanuman statue

Two individuals have been remanded in custody for allegedly attempting to defraud people of millions by falsely claiming to sell a valuable metal statue of the deity Hanuman, adorned with gems and gold. The suspects, identified as Jayanta Bandara Athukorala from Kegalle and Suduhukuruge Lionel Ranawira from Thalawathugoda, were arrested and presented before the Kotahena Magistrate's Court.

According to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), the suspects were apprehended following a complaint filed by Deputy Minister Sunil Watagala. The CID informed the court that the first suspect had attempted to raise money by associating Deputy Minister Watagala's name with the sale of the artifact. He was apprehended while making a phone call to another individual about the transaction.

“

The first suspect attempted to raise money by associating Mr. Watagala's name with the sale of the artifact, and the police apprehended him while he was making a phone call to another person about it.

Further revelations indicated that the second suspect assisted the first by finding a buyer for the statue. The suspects are accused of attempting to commit fraud by using the name of a minister and are being investigated under the Antiquities Ordinance. The prosecution requested their remand, citing ongoing investigations.

“

Based on the information uncovered from the first suspect, the second suspect acted as an intermediary to find a buyer for the statue.

During the court proceedings, a video was presented as evidence, showing the first suspect mentioning Deputy Minister Watagala's name and stating that a portion of the proceeds from the transaction should be given to him. Considering the presented facts, Magistrate Pasanda Amaraseana ordered the suspects to be remanded until August 5 and instructed the CID to present the progress of their investigation on that date.

The suspects had allegedly claimed that the Hanuman statue, possessing archaeological value, was discovered during the LTTE war and subsequently buried. They used photos and videos sent via WhatsApp to solicit funds for its sale, which they claimed was intended for the Indian market. The statue was reportedly brought from Jaffna to the south and buried in 2016.

“

The suspects who attempted to commit fraud by selling the name of a minister have committed an offense under the Antiquities Ordinance. Further investigations are being conducted regarding this.