A total of 35 persons, allegedly involved in Monday’s riot at Koki, in the National Capital District, were arrested and detained today following a massive police operation across the Koki suburb.
NCD Metropolitan Superintendent Silva Sika personally took charge of this operation to identify and arrest the suspects responsible for yesterday’s carnage.
Koki was rocked by violence on Monday when opportunists rioted, looted shops and smashed the windows of vehicles of commuters traveling along Healy Road.
The extent of the damage, loss, and injuries sustained by victims, both locals and foreigners, are yet to be determined at this point in time.
The violence erupted following the killing of a man. A massive crowd swarmed the main Koki round-a-bout and began attacking the shops and pelted passing vehicles with rocks and robbed the occupants who were caught up in the chaos.
Mr Sika said all commercial activities in this part of the city will remain shut for an indefinite period until the suspects involved in the rampage are identified, arrested and charged by police.
Police combed through the area today and arrested 35 suspects. Mr Sika said the suspects were locked up and depending on the investigations, may be charged for yesterday’s riot.
Mr Sika said police will work closely with the community leaders in their effort to locate and arrest more suspects involved in Monday’s incident.
Mr Sika said, the local community who depend on cash income from the betelnut, vegetable and fish markets are also equally responsible and therefore they must assist the police in identifying and apprehending the culprits involved in Monday’s violence.
