The Kanjipani Imran Malaysia raid captured Ratmalane Saima but raised suspicions that information about the operation was leaked.
The Kanjipani Imran Malaysia raid ended with the alleged organised crime leader escaping shortly before police reached his location, while officers captured one of his closest associates.
A Sri Lankan police team launched the operation with support from Malaysian security forces. Police Chief Priyantha Weerasuriya directly supervised the Sri Lankan team.
The operation primarily targeted Kanjipani Imran. However, he reportedly left the location before the police teams arrived.
Despite his escape, authorities arrested Dhanushka Kaushalya, widely known as “Ratmalane Saima”, along with several followers. Investigators consider Saima one of Imran’s closest associates.
Sri Lankan police are now arranging to bring Saima back to the country as soon as possible.
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Saima’s alleged role in Imran’s network
Investigators say Saima played a central role in Imran’s operations rather than serving as an ordinary associate.
He allegedly managed Kanjipani Imran’s financial affairs and social media activities. Investigators also accuse him of directing money-laundering operations through the hundi system.
The network allegedly channelled funds into local bank accounts. Saima also reportedly managed a restaurant network operating in Malaysia and Thailand.
Saima fled to Malaysia around 10 years ago. He initially worked closely with “Kudu Anju”, also known as Amal, an underworld figure reportedly hiding in France.
However, Saima later joined Imran’s network. He allegedly changed sides after Imran told him that Anju was planning to kill him.
Questions surround Kanjipani Imran Malaysia raid
Authorities do not consider Imran’s escape a simple accident. Serious suspicions have emerged that someone leaked information about the Sri Lankan team’s arrival and the planned raid.
Investigators may examine whether corrupt figures within the security system passed information to the network.
However, several other factors could have affected the operation. The intelligence identifying Imran’s location may have become outdated before officers acted.
Imran also reportedly changes hideouts frequently. In addition, Imran and Saima were staying at separate locations, making a simultaneous arrest more difficult.
The process of securing legal approval from Malaysian authorities may also have caused delays.
Another concern involves information allegedly shared with journalists by certain police officers. Such disclosures may have unintentionally alerted Imran’s network before the raid.
Alleged presidential assassination plot
Saima’s arrest has also produced allegations extending beyond drug trafficking and organised crime.
According to intelligence reports, Kanjipani Imran and another criminal allegedly planned to meet in Malaysia. The reported purpose was to discuss a conspiracy to assassinate President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
Saima allegedly provided financial and logistical assistance for the planned meeting.
Authorities must fully investigate the allegation because of its seriousness. Investigators are therefore expected to question Saima extensively about the reported conspiracy and any people connected to it.
Saima also allegedly designed social media and psychological campaigns that strengthened Imran’s feared public image.
One example involved a dispute over a procession at the Devinuwara Temple. An audio recording containing a threat attributed to Imran circulated against the temple’s Basnayake Nilame.
Saima also allegedly circulated a response recording from the opposing party. The confrontation later ended with a shooting near a house close to the temple.
The incident showed how organised criminal groups can use social media to spread threats, intensify disputes and build fear.
Financial investigations and unresolved crimes
Authorities must now pursue Saima’s alleged restaurant interests and hundi transfers through international financial intelligence channels.
Investigators should also identify anyone who warned Imran about the operation. They must examine allegations that individuals intervened to cancel Saima’s red notice.
Saima is also expected to face questioning over the murder of Nanuoya Saji.
Other areas of investigation include the distribution of ice drugs through Kegalle and Polgahawela. Police may also question him about Kush and cocaine allegedly smuggled through the airport around 10 years ago.
Saima’s arrest represents a major development in the investigation. However, the operation will remain incomplete while Kanjipani Imran continues to evade capture.
The Sri Lankan police team is continuing broader investigations with Malaysian authorities as efforts to locate and arrest Imran continue.
