Gampaha Police Crime Unit OIC Remanded Until January 6 Over Bribery Allegations

COLOMBO (News 1st) - The Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the Crimes Division of the Gampaha Police Headquarters, who was arrested in connection with a bribery incident, has been remanded until January 6.

The order was issued when the suspect was produced before Colombo Additional Magistrate Lahiru Varushavithana this afternoon.

According to a complaint lodged by a businessman from Dandugama, Ja-Ela, the police officer was arrested yesterday in Gampaha town.

The complaint alleges that the suspect demanded a bribe after claiming that the complainant had purchased a stock of stolen gold jewellery, and in return promised to refrain from taking legal action regarding the matter.

Officials from the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption informed court that the suspect had demanded Rs. 300,000 and three-quarters of a gold pound, and was arrested while accepting Rs. 250,000 of the bribe.

The Bribery Commission requested the court to remand the suspect, citing that investigations are still ongoing.

However, the defence counsel requested that the suspect be released on suitable bail conditions.

After considering the submissions, the Additional Magistrate directed that any bail application be made before the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court on the next date of hearing.

The case is scheduled to be taken up again on January 6.