Traffic cops thwart Rs.2mn robbery in Medawachchiya

Two suspects including a soldier who were fleeing after robbing Rs. 2 million from a businessman on a motorcycle in Medawachchiya were arrested by the police officers of the Kebithigollewa Division Traffic Unit today.

Police said a man claiming himself as a Captain of Navy made a phone call to a businessman and told that oil and diesel at the Punewa Naval Base will be tendered, and 20 barrels of diesel and oil worth about Rs.2.2 million will be tendered for an amount of Rs.2 million.

The person who had called the businessman had informed that the fuel will be given to him without the tender procedure.

Then, the  businessman came closer to the Punewa Naval base in a lorry along with a his relative to purchase the diesel and other fuel.

The man who claimed himself a naval officer was waiting near the camp along with another person on a motorcycle. They took the identity card and driving license of the lorry driver from the concerned businessman to get permission to enter the camp to get the fuel.

The money brought by the businessman was also taken and they told the businessman to follow the the motorcycle to the camp.

Police said the suspects had then fled the scene with cash on their motorcycle. 

Two traffic policemen on duty in Punewa town had signaled to stop to check a motorcycle that was ridden at high speed. But they fled defying the police order. 

However, the suspects were arrested by the officers along with cash which they robbed, with the help of two more traffic policemen after giving chase in Medawachchiya.

The suspects aged 32 years old were identified as residents of Ibbagamuwa. Police said one of the suspects was a driver in the Army.

The Medawachchiya and Punewa Police are conducting further investigations. (Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya)