Prabath Deshabandu, the newly appointed OIC of Deraniyagala has received sudden transfer orders instructing him to vacate his post with immediate effect. Accordingly he has been transferred to the Padiyathalawa Police Station in the Ampara district

The former STF officer assumed duties nineteen days ago. He had conducted raids against the alleged criminals during this period and attempted to bring the perpetrators to the book, villagers said.

Yesterday he arrested the sister of the former Deraniyagala Pradeshiya Sabha chairman Anil Champika (alias Atha Kota) for allegedly looting the Noori Estate -- after which she had been remanded.

Deshabandu is also reported to have ordered the current Pradeshiya Sabha chairman Anura Wijesuriya to close an illegal wine store allegedly operated by him. (Susitha R. Fernando and Hafeel Farisz)