CID team departs for India to repatriate 'Podi Lassi'

The Police Media Division has confirmed that a team of Criminal Investigation Department (CID) officers has left for India to bring back the alleged notorious underworld figure and drug trafficker Janith Madushanka, alias "Podi Lassi."

Madushanka was arrested in Mumbai on January 16, 2025, after fleeing Sri Lanka in violation of bail conditions.

He had been granted bail by the Balapitiya Magistrate's Court on December 9, 2024, but subsequently disappeared, leading security forces to suspect that he and another organized crime leader, "Kudu Salindu," had escaped the country via sea routes.

Following his disappearance, Sri Lankan authorities sought the assistance of Interpol and the Indian Police.

His apprehension in Mumbai was the result of a coordinated effort between the Acting IGP of Sri Lanka and Indian law enforcement agencies.

The current mission by the CID aims to finalize the extradition process and return him to the country to face multiple pending charges, including murder and large-scale drug trafficking.