Police have arrested a 54-year-old man from Saliyawewa over the alleged drugging and robbery of three women travelling from Anuradhapura to Colombo earlier this month, the Police Media Division said.
According to police, the incident took place on April 2 as the three women were travelling by bus from the Anuradhapura Bus Stand to Colombo. During the journey an unidentified man is reported to have offered them snacks and a drink. Shortly after consuming them, the women lost consciousness. The suspect allegedly made off with cash and gold jewellery valued at more than Rs. 1.7 million before fleeing the bus.
Following a complaint, officers from the Anuradhapura Police Station launched an investigation. The suspect was arrested in Pandulagama on April 17, police said.
Authorities warned that similar incidents have been reported on public transport, in which suspects strike up casual conversations with fellow passengers and then offer food or drinks laced with intoxicating substances. Police reiterated earlier public warnings urging passengers to exercise caution and to refuse food or beverages offered by strangers on buses and trains.
The investigation is continuing. The suspect is expected to be produced before court with further charges possible as police review other incidents across the Anuradhapura–Colombo corridor.
