Police have arrested eight individuals suspected of conducting unauthorized archaeological excavations in the Bharathipuram area of Kilinochchi district.

Authorities in Kilinochchi have taken eight people into custody following a raid targeting illegal excavation activities in Bharathipuram. According to police statements, the operation was conducted based on intelligence gathered by the Kilinochchi Police division.

The arrested individuals range in age from 32 to 58 years old and hail from various locations across the country, including Mundalama, Ukuwela, Dummalasuriya, Piliyandala, Jaffna, Madampe, and Keselwatta. The suspects were allegedly engaged in searching for archaeological artifacts at the time of their apprehension.

The Kilinochchi Police department has initiated a comprehensive investigation into the matter to determine the full extent of the illegal excavation activities and establish whether artifacts were recovered or removed from the site. The investigation remains ongoing.