Ranjith Kumara, alias ‘Konda Ranjie’, a suspected underworld leader accused of involvement in several serious crimes, including murder, extortion and large-scale drug trafficking, was taken into the custody of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) at the Bandaranaike International Airport yesterday (09) morning after being deported from Dubai.
It is reported that neither the Dubai Police nor the UAE authorities had informed Sri Lankan authorities in advance that Konda Ranjie was being deported to Sri Lanka.
He arrived at Bandaranaike International Airport at around 8.10 a.m. yesterday on a Flydubai flight. Following a notification from immigration officials, CID officers at the airport arrested him.
He was subsequently taken to the CID headquarters under heavy security. The authorities have obtained court approval to detain him for 72 hours and question him.
Konda Ranjie has been accused of orchestrating a shooting in front of the Kandana Police Station targeting the former Minister Mangala Samaraweera’s private secretary and his brother-in-law, who were travelling in a jeep. The private secretary sustained serious injuries, while his brother-in-law was killed in the attack.
Police have also alleged that several other murders were carried out on his orders.
Konda Ranjie had been living a lavish lifestyle in Dubai with his wife and children. He was previously apprehended by Dubai security authorities at the Dubai airport while allegedly attempting to flee to Italy.
It was also reported that he had obtained a Golden Visa, which is granted to individuals who make substantial investments in Dubai.
Police further allege that he maintained close links with international drug traffickers and had been involved in sending various types of drugs to Sri Lanka.
He was reportedly detained by Dubai Police for a second time over allegations that he had circulated photographs and videos related to the US-Iran war on social media.
Konda Ranjie, who had been in custody in Dubai for several months, was deported from the country on the night before last.
He has also been accused of operating a large-scale drug distribution network covering Kandana, Negombo, Wattala, Ja-Ela, Seeduwa and Katunayake. Police sources further stated that he had been leading an underworld gang.
Police Headquarters sources said that Konda Ranjie, who remains in CID custody, is being subjected to lengthy questioning as investigations continue.
