June 17, Colombo (LNW): The public is entitled to request official identification from persons appearing as plainclothes officers before consenting to any checks, authorities emphasised.
The announcement follows an incident in Maradana area where an individual was robbed by individuals impersonating as police officers.
Two individuals on a motorcycle, claiming to be police officers, stopped a pedestrian near Ketawalamulla Junction in Maradana on Friday night, and allegedly assaulted the victim and stole his wallet and mobile phone, valued at approximately Rs. 200,000, according to reports.
The suspects then demanded Rs. 35,000 from the victim for the return of the stolen items, directing him to the Maradana Police Station.
In response to the complaint, Police initiated an investigation.
On Saturday (15), Maradana Police officers acted on information regarding a person allegedly transporting heroin on a motorcycle. They intercepted the motorcycle at Fonseka Mawatha, conducted a search, and discovered 12 grammes and 120 milligrammes of heroin in the possession of the rider.
The arrested suspect, a 28-year-old resident of Maradana, was found to be using the same motorcycle associated with the earlier robbery.
Subsequent inquiries and interrogation of the suspect led to the recovery of the stolen mobile phone concealed at the suspect’s residence.
Maradana police are currently pursuing further leads to apprehend the second suspect involved in the robbery.
