The Panadura murder investigation has exposed alleged romance scam claims after Naduni Sahashri was found killed inside a rented home in Gorakana.
The Panadura murder investigation has uncovered allegations of a romance scam involving victim Naduni Sahashri and her mother after police found the young woman dead inside a rented home in Gorakana.
The property falls under the Panadura North Police area. Sahashri had lived there with her 27-year-old boyfriend, who worked as a line cook at a local hotel. Police later arrested him after he fled the scene following the killing.
Investigators said the suspect confessed that he walked nearly three miles from work to the apartment on the night of the murder. He reportedly arrived at about 11:15 p.m. and sat down to rest.
However, an argument soon began over money. The suspect told detectives that he had no cash because it was the middle of the month. He alleged that Sahashri then verbally abused him.
The man claimed he lost control after she directed deeply offensive insults at his mother and sister. He allegedly grabbed a kitchen knife, stabbed Sahashri in the chest and cut her throat. She died at the scene.
Police said the suspect then tried to take his own life by drinking liquid from a mosquito vaporiser inside the room. The substance caused him to vomit. He then panicked and fled wearing white slacks and an orange-striped shirt.
Suspect Critically Injured After Train Collision
The suspect ran towards Moratuwa railway station and allegedly tried to jump in front of a commuter train travelling from Colombo to Kalutara.
The collision left him critically injured. He suffered a shattered right leg, several broken ribs and other serious wounds. Bystanders took him to Panadura Hospital before doctors transferred him to Colombo National Hospital.
After a two-day search, police located him at the hospital following an anonymous tip. A magistrate later visited his bedside and formally arraigned him.
Medical teams continue to treat internal abdominal bleeding, severe cuts to his neck and multiple fractures. Doctors describe his condition as highly critical. Meanwhile, investigators are checking every part of the statement he gave from hospital.
Panadura Murder Investigation Exposes Scam Claims
As the Panadura murder investigation widened, detectives uncovered allegations involving Sahashri and her mother. Police claim the pair had operated a long-running romance scam that targeted young men and extracted money from them.
After local media reported the killing, a Vavuniya resident contacted Panadura North Police. He alleged that the mother and daughter had defrauded him of $5,000, equivalent to about Rs. 1.5 million.
Investigators also found claims that Sahashri had previously targeted an airline pilot through a similar scheme.
The hospitalised suspect reportedly told police that Sahashri had secretly maintained another relationship with an employee at the same hotel while living with him.
He alleged that Sahashri and her mother withdrew $2,600, or about Rs. 800,000, from his bank account. He also gave Sahashri a monthly allowance of around $115, equal to Rs. 35,000.
Altogether, the suspect believes he lost more than $3,300, or over Rs. 1 million.
Investigators allege that Sahashri’s mother directed the operation. According to police, she presented herself as a caring and protective parent. She allegedly treated the targeted men warmly to gain their trust and obtain access to their money.
Killing Leaves Families and Others Devastated
The case has left everyone connected to it facing a devastating aftermath. Sahashri’s mother has collected her daughter’s remains from the coroner.
Meanwhile, the suspected killer remains in intensive care, where he is reportedly between life and death. Police continue the Panadura murder investigation, examining both the homicide and the financial allegations revealed during the inquiry.
In another unusual development, the second young man allegedly linked to Sahashri has stepped forward. Investigators say he escaped the suspected financial trap before it became deadly.
He has now taken responsibility for the pets left behind at the Gorakana residence and is caring for them following the crime.
