Extortion of money from Tamils in Colombo on the increase

[TamilNet, Monday, 21 January 2008, 11:54 GMT]
Extortion of money from affluent Tamils residing in Wellawatte, Bambalapitya and Dehiwala in Colombo has been on the increase in recent days, according to media reports. Gangs posing as police officers and CID personnel have been waylaying Tamils walking along roads in evening in these areas threatening them with death if not yielded to their demands.

These gangs also operate in buses run by government and when Tamil passengers get down they follow them and corner them at lonely spots, harass them and demand money.

Meanwhile, all pavement shops are being removed in Colombo city especially in Slave Island area due to security reasons, Police said. Police have informed traders that this steps has been taken to ensure tight security to curb claymore attacks.