Reply To:
Name - Reply Comment
Last Updated : 2024-05-27 13:10:00
23 July 2023 11:42 am - 8 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Galle Chief Magistrate Isuru Nettikumara ordered to consult the Attorney General whether indictments could be filed against the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Director of the Special Investigation Unit (SIU) over allegations of undue influence on police officers and witnesses over a case of theft of money from foreigners at a tourist hotel in Unawatuna, Galle.
A tourist hotel owner at Unawatuna, his son and another individual were arrested by the Galle Division Crime Investigations Unit earlier this year for stealing foreign currency valued at more than Rs. 6 million belonging to a group of Russian tourists.
The Crime Investigations Unit and Unawatuna Tourist Police who conducted the investigations based on complaints received from a group of Russian tourists staying in two hotels had arrested the owner, his son and an accountant of a hotel in January this year.
Police said the suspects had allegedly stolen cash Rs. 752,772, US$ 61,000, Ruble 195,000 and Euro 200.
The Galle Division Crimes Investigation Unit and Habaraduwa Police conducted further investigations with the assistance of the Unawatuna Tourist Police.
However, the OIC of the Unawatuna Tourist Police had filed a case with the Galle Chief Magistrate’s Court in March this year alleging that the IGP and the SIU Director had influenced him not to arrest the owner of the hotel, the main suspect involved in the theft.
The Police Department had reportedly initiated an internal investigation against the OIC and the officers who acted against orders for not following the orders by the senior police officers.
When the case was taken before the Galle Chief Magistrate on July 19, the Magistrate ordered to consult the Attorney General whether indictments could be filed against the IGP and the SIU Director over the allegations.
The Magistrate informed that it is the duty of the Attorney General to present indictments before a High Court, in accordance with the provisions of Section 08 of the Crime Victims and Witnesses Protection and Assistance Act No. 04 of 2015, when such an offence has been committed.
Accordingly, the Magistrate ordered to refer the matters to the Attorney General to examine whether any person has committed any wrongdoing in accordance with the provisions of the Act and to take further legal steps.
However, the Magistrate informed the court that according to the facts that have been presented to the court so far, it is clear that there has been some impact on the investigation.
Therefore he ordered to further extend the suspension order into the internal investigation initiated by the Police Department against the Unawatuna Tourist Police OIC or the officers acting under his orders. (Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya)
European Sunday, 23 July 2023 12:44 PM
And no one wonders why Russian tourists carry so much cash on them? Does anyone understand the reason why so little European tourists visit Sri Lanka these days? And do you understand why it is not a good idea of your minister of tourism to publish pictures having drinks with a rapist?
N. N. Perera Sunday, 23 July 2023 03:03 PM
Europe in crisis. European middle and lower middle classes having hard time to manage their daily affairs leave alone traveling to other countries. Thats why there are fewer European tourists.
Sandy Sunday, 23 July 2023 01:14 PM
Who will chase away corrupt senior officials whose position is more secure than politicians.
Tour Guide Sunday, 23 July 2023 10:20 PM
# N N Perera : maybe they also don't like to get ripped off. Just take a look at other Asian countries : after Covid 19 they generate a lot of European visitors. And also not a lot of Russians in Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, but a lot of Europeans there.
Mahila Monday, 24 July 2023 04:28 AM
The tourists, who are adventurous, because they venture out to unknown Lands, well understand the places to visit and those not to!!!??? Their network provides them guidance and very well informed of people who RIP-OFF!!!??? Some people think their CUNNINGNESS is supreme and height of Intelligence!!!??? Tourist compare on social media, GOOD
Aram Monday, 24 July 2023 07:09 AM
Hats off to Galle Magistrate to stand by the genuine police officers in this connection.IGP is in extension why he is doing bad job damaging a high post quality.
Jayantha Monday, 24 July 2023 07:44 AM
How come the tourists pocess such a huge amount of money. That is what the legal guys should look into. Unawatuna oic must be paid by the russians when igp ordered to probe into this matter.
U ali Wednesday, 26 July 2023 06:20 AM
Could be a henchman of short plump retarded politician who sneaked into the parliament behind RW, he is famous for this kind of illegal activities
Add comment
Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.
Reply To:
Name - Reply Comment
For a long time, accusations have been made against Urban Development and Hou
The state-run loss-making State Mortgage & Investment Bank (SMIB) has reveale
US authorities are currently reviewing the manifest of every cargo aboard MV
On March 26, a couple arriving from Thailand was arrested with 88 live animal
