• The large scale gambling den on top of a hillock covered with thick jungle had been patronized by leading businessmen

By H.M.Dharmapala and Kusal Chamath

A group of 15 suspects were arrested and Rs.1.28 million seized by the Panadura – Walana Anti Vice Squad during a raid on a gambling den in thick jungle at Angampitiya in Padukka on Saturday night (30). The suspects were wealthy businessmen between 30 and 48 years of age.

 Police said the large scale gambling den on top of a hillock covered with thick jungle had been patronized by leading businessmen from Kadawatha, Aturugiriya, Padukka, Hanwella, and Meegoda.

Investigations revealed that the suspects who travelled in one vehicle had parked it at the foot of the hillock and walked up the hill.

Police said the suspects had been running the gambling den since long.

The police team had to make a long trek through difficult terrain to reach the location. OIC Panadura –Walana Anti Vice Squad CI Indika Weerasinghe, IP Janaka Kumara, SI Sandaruwan had carried out the raid on the instructions of Director of the Anti-Vice Squad ASP Udayakumara.