Isuru Nettikumara, Chief Magistrate of Galle, has ordered that indictments be filed against the Inspector General of Police and the Director of the Special Investigation Unit over allegations of undue influence on police officers and witnesses. Based on complaints from Russian tourists, the Galle Division Crime Investigations Unit and the Unawatuna Tourist Police conducted investigations. The suspects are accused of stealing over Rs. 6 million in cash.
In March, the Unawatuna Tourist Police OIC filed a case with the Galle Chief Magistrate’s Court, alleging that the IGP and SIU Director pressured him not to arrest the hotel owner, the main suspect in the theft. The Police Department launched an internal investigation into the OIC and officers who disobeyed orders. The Magistrate directed that the Attorney General be consulted to determine whether indictments could be filed against the IGP and SIU Director. The Magistrate, however, determined that the investigation had been hampered and extended the suspension order.
