– Five police officers, including a Sub-Inspector, who were arrested and produced before court over the alleged robbery of more than two kilograms of gold worth over Rs. 100 million, were remanded till June 1 and ordered to be produced for an identification parade on that date by Colombo Additional Magistrate Darshika Premaratne.

The suspects, who had been arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department, were produced before court with their faces covered.

The CID informed court that the suspects had been arrested on the instructions of the Attorney General in connection with investigations into an incident that allegedly took place on March 18, 2023, while the suspects were attached to the Colombo North Divisional Crimes Investigation Bureau. The suspects are alleged to have, while dressed in police uniform, abducted a wealthy businessman, threatened to kill him, and robbed him of more than two kilograms of gold in his possession.

A Sub-Inspector, a Police Sergeant and three Police Constables were accordingly remanded.

Counsel Wasantha Pitiagala, appearing for the suspects, submitted before court that no evidence had been produced to substantiate the incident alleged to have occurred three and a half years ago. Counsel further stated that if the complainants had brought the gold into the country upon returning from abroad, there should be evidence to prove it, and alleged that the arrests had been carried out to satisfy the interests of certain individuals.

After considering the submissions of both parties, the Magistrate ordered that the suspects be remanded and produced for an identification parade on June 1.