Police sergeant remanded for soliciting Rs. 5,000 bribe over expired insurance certificate

By Bhagya Silva

Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama yesterday ordered that a Police Sergeant, a suspect of soliciting a bribe of Rs. 5,000 from a motorcyclist for failing to take action over an expired insurance certificate, was ordered to be remanded till December 2. 
The suspect, had been attached to the Kalutara South Police Division. 
Presenting facts before court, the Bribery Commission stated that a man had been travelling on a motorcycle for official duties when the suspect, who was engaged in traffic duties at the time, had inspected the rider’s insurance certificate and driving license. During the inspection, it had been revealed that the motorcyclist’s insurance certificate had expired and the suspect had allegedly demanded Rs. 5,000 from him in order to refrain from taking legal action. 
The Bribery Commission informed court that the complainant had subsequently notified the Commission about the incident, following which a trap operation was carried out and the suspect officer was arrested. 
After considering the facts presented, the Magistrate ordered that the suspect be remanded.