Wanted criminals rounded up

by Jayampathy JAYASINGHE

Several persons including criminals wanted by the police in connection with various offences who had been absconding for a considerable period of time have been taken up for questioning by the police. This follows the recent directive by IGP N.K. Illangakoon to all police stations in the country, Police Media Spokesman SSP Ajith Rohana said.

Police have launched a crack down on those persons who had been evading arrest despite warrants being issued for their arrest. An operation launched island wide from July 1 to August 26 had resulted in the arrest of 48,977 persons. They were produced in courts and remanded. Of this number some have been released on bail, he police spokesman said.

The following suspects have been arrested from various provinces. Western Province 13,303, Uva Province 2,311, North Western Province (Wayamba) 6,992, Eastern Province 2,691, Northern Province 2,090, Southern Province 5,106, Central Province 7,329, Sabaragamuwa Province 6,047, North Central Province 3,104.