A senior police officer from the Gampola Police Control Division was arrested yesterday by officers of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption while allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs. 20,000. The bribe was purportedly requested under the pretense of obtaining fuel for a vehicle used to transport documents related to a corruption complaint filed with the Commission.
The arrest took place at a restaurant on Panabokke Road in Gampola. The individual who made the complaint to CIABOC had reported that the officer had demanded the bribe to assist in the investigation and provide support before the commission.
The suspect allegedly threatened the complainant, stating that if the money was not paid, he would act against the complainant and make the situation difficult for him. Upon receiving this information, the complainant notified CIABOC, leading to a sting operation where the police officer was apprehended while accepting the bribe.
The police officer was set to attend CIABOC on the 25th of the month, carrying various reports and records relating to previous complaints, as requested by the commission. The officer’s request for money was allegedly linked to obtaining fuel for this trip to Colombo. The officer was caught red-handed during the transaction, leading to his immediate arrest.
