OIC accused in gem theft probe granted bail

Colombo, June 4 (Daily Mirror) - The Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the Eheliyagoda Police Station, who was arrested in connection with an investigation conducted by the National Police Commission, was released on bail by the Avissawella Magistrate's Court today.

Avissawella Magistrate Pramoda Jayasekara ordered the suspect's release on three personal sureties of Rs. 1 million each. The court also imposed a travel ban, preventing the suspect from leaving the country until further notice.

During the proceedings, the Magistrate warned that the bail order would be revoked immediately if there were any attempts to influence, intimidate, or interfere with the complainants or witnesses connected to the case.

The suspect Chief Inspector of Police, was serving as the OIC of the Eheliyagoda Police Station at the time of his arrest.

The case was presented before the court by the Unresolved Crimes Investigation Unit of the Ratnapura Divisional Crime Investigation Bureau. According to the allegations, the Chief Inspector acted unlawfully while investigating a complaint related to a stolen gemstone.

Investigators informed the court that the suspect had allegedly obtained money from witnesses and suspects involved in the case through improper means and later released them without producing either the individuals or the recovered money before the relevant legal authorities.