By Jude Samantha


Six army deserters including an officer have been taken into custody in connection with their alleged involvement in scaring a lady who had returned from overseas by posing as INTERPOL officials.

The investigations have revealed that the suspects are residents of Borella, Kaduwela , Dematagoda and Kochchikade. Last week six persons had come in a white defender vehicle to Pothuwatawana in the Koswatte Police Division, posing as officials from the International Police (INTERPOL), and wanted to search her house. The owner of the house is said to be a lady who works in Dubai and had just returned a few days earlier.

With the allegation that they received information on her having stolen gold jewelry, the fake officers said they wished to have the items taken into custody. Amongst the suspects, it is said that there had been a person who looked like a foreigner.

Later, the imposters had left with jewelry worth over R.1,020,000/- after giving instructions to her to meet them in Colombo. In fear, she had also gone to Colombo as instructed.

After scaring her further that the matter would remain open unless some considerable sum is paid, the victim had withdrawn Rs. 475,000/- from a bank account.

The woman had then sought advice from a lawyer and lodged a complaint with the Superintendent of Police of Chilaw who had in turn placed it with the investigation Unit of the Unsolved Crimes Unit of Chilaw Division. (Daily Mirror online)