Criminal leader 'Kosgoda Tharaka' killed by Police fire

COLOMBO (News 1st); Underworld leader Dharmakeerthi Tharaka Perera Wijesekera alias 'Kosgoda Tharaka' was killed by police fire on Wednesday (12).

"The 34-year old gangster was in the custody of the Western Province North Crimes Division and he was escorted to Wendapola in Meerigama police area for a special operation and during the operation an incident had taken place compelling police to use force to control the situation," said the Police Spokesperson.

Kosgoda Tharaka was injured and admitted to hospital where he was ruled dead upon admission, said the Police Spokesperson adding a special team is conducting investigations.

A Chief Inspector was also injured and he was admitted to hospital for treatment.

Kosgoda Tharaka was involved in multiple crimes in Kosgoda, Matara, Moratuwa and Kottawa Police areas and according to reports he committed 07 murders and 21 thefts.

In 2005 he committed a robbery of Rs.1.7 Mn in cash.

In 2011 he committed a robbery of Rs. 2.3 Mn at People's Bank in Kosgoda

In 2015 he committed a robbery in Moratuwa

In 2018 he led the gang that robbed jewellery shop in Matara killing a Police Constable