A key breakthrough has surfaced in the long-contested Wasim Thajudeen murder investigation, with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) identifying a long-mysterious CCTV suspect as slain gang member Aruna Shantha, alias Middeniye Kajja.
Thajudeen, a national rugby player, died under suspicious circumstances on May 17, 2012, near Shalika Grounds, Narahenpita. Initially ruled an accident, the case was reopened in 2015 after a fresh CID investigation confirmed homicide.
Crucial CCTV footage from the night showed an unidentified individual near a second vehicle that followed Thajudeen’s car. Despite years of uncertainty, the figure has now been identified through testimony provided by Kajja’s widow, who pointed to his posture and chronic hip pain as distinguishing traits.
The revelation comes after several major underworld arrests this year linked Kajja to organized crime. His wife also revealed that he had received threats and had openly spoken about the Thajudeen case in 2023.
The CID is continuing its probe into the murder, which has been clouded by controversy and delays for over a decade.
