Sri Lanka, July 22 -- Five persons, including the son of a former Minister, were arrested by Hataras Kotuwa Police for allegedly carrying out an illegal excavation in search of a hidden gem treasure at Yakawanguwa, Aluth Oya, Habarana.

The suspects were taken into custody on Monday (20) night, following a raid conducted around 9 pm. based on information received by Officer-in-Charge of Hataras Kotuwa Police, Sub-Inspector S.W.M. Upali Herath.

Police said the group had dug a pit about 10 feet deep after conducting religious rituals under the direction of a 'kapuwa' (traditional ritual practitioner), believing that a hidden gem treasure could be recovered from the site. The 'kapuwa', three other suspects involved in the excavation, and th...