Police Suspect Gangsters ‘Patta’ and ‘Satan’ Behind Mahara Prison Riot

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka Police suspect that the recent unrest among inmates at Mahara Prison was triggered by a dispute linked to an alleged drug trafficking operation.

Investigative teams probing the incident have revealed information indicating that two inmates, identified as “Patta” and “Satan”, both facing drug-related charges, were allegedly involved in instigating the disturbance.

Authorities have also uncovered evidence suggesting the involvement of two additional inmates in the incident.

Police said that statements have so far been recorded from approximately 25 individuals, including inmates who sustained injuries during the unrest at the prison.

Several investigation teams are currently conducting further inquiries to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and identify all those involved.

Meanwhile, the Department of Prisons has decided to appoint a three-member committee to investigate the unrest at Mahara Prison.

Acting Commissioner General of Prisons Prasad Hemantha stated that Police and the Police Special Task Force (STF) continue to be deployed to maintain security outside the prison premises as investigations remain ongoing.

At the same time, several key revelations have emerged from ongoing investigations into the unrest at the Mahara Prison, where a group of inmates allegedly engaged in violent acts and caused extensive damage to prison property.

According to investigators, around four inmates climbed onto a prison roof on Saturday (1st August) evening without any reasonable justification.

Police said the inmates claimed from the rooftop that they could no longer remain in the prison.

Investigations have further revealed that while prison officials were attempting to bring the inmates down safely, another group of inmates became agitated and began acting aggressively.

The group allegedly attempted to break through the prison's main gate and escape. As the situation escalated, prison authorities sought assistance from the Police and the Special Task Force to bring the unrest under control.

Police stated that inmates repeatedly acted in a provocative manner and set fire to several prison properties, causing extensive damage.

The unrest continued throughout Saturday night, with inmates striking prison walls and engaging in acts of vandalism. After midnight, a group of inmates reportedly set fire to the prison kitchen.

Police suspect that the actions of the inmates may have been carried out according to a pre-planned strategy.

Investigators also revealed that inmates used stones and debris obtained from damaged structures within the prison to attack security personnel on multiple occasions.

Meanwhile, following the Negombo Prison incident, prison authorities had adopted a security measure under which firearms, weapons, food supplies and medicine were stored outside prison premises.

The Department of Prisons said this precaution prevented firearms and weapons from falling into the hands of inmates during the Mahara incident.

In addition, inmates allegedly attacked several houses located in the vicinity of the prison.