Probe launched after police officer allegedly attacked by group including NPP MP

A probe has been launched into an alleged assault on a police officer, with two police teams assigned to investigate claims that a group, including Ratnapura District National People’s Power (NPP) MP Shantha Padmakumara, attacked the officer while he was returning home after completing his duties.   

The officer, attached to the Suriyakanda Police Station, was admitted to the Embilipitiya Hospital after reportedly sustained injuries in the attack on Saturday night (20).   

According to reports, the officer had recently participated in a cannabis raid conducted by the Suriyakanda Police on a land belonging to the MP’s father-in-law.  The officer claimed that the MP and others had arrived in a vehicle, threatened and attacked him.   

He lodged a complaint with the Kolonna Police.   

Meanwhile, police spokesman ASP F.U Wootler said that the MP also lodged a complaint through 119 hot-line over the incident.   

He said police was also investigating whether the police officer was under the influence of liquor at the time of the incident.   

Accordingly, two police teams are carrying out investigating under the directions of SSP Embilipitiya into the incident and to determine the allegations, the spokesman said.