Five suspects who allegedly carried out illegal excavations in search of artifacts have been arrested by the Police. The suspects were arrested on 6 September. The arrests were made during a raid conducted by a team of officers from the Hingurakgoda Police Station based on information received regarding illegal excavations being carried out in the Thalpotha area of the Hingurakgoda Police Division. The suspects had allegedly been carrying out the excavations with the intention of searching for artifacts. The suspects, aged 19, 26, 45, 47 and 49, are residents of Polonnaruwa and Pulasthigama.