Doctor released on bail over alleged theft of appointment letter

The suspect, a doctor by profession, was granted release on a cash bail of Rs. 10,000 and a surety bond of Rs. 100,000 furnished by her sister-in-law, who is also the complainant in the case. The complainant, identified as her sister-in-law and also a doctor, resides in the Anuradhapura area and had lodged a complaint with the Kurunegala Police.

According to police submissions, the complainant stated that she had been appointed as a Physiotherapist Medical Officer and that the official appointment letter sent by post from the Health Ministry had gone missing, preventing her from assuming duties. Preliminary investigations led to the arrest of the suspect, who was allegedly present at the complainant’s house when the letter was delivered.

Appearing on behalf of the accused, Attorney-at-Law Keerthi Dunusinghe argued that producing his client under the Intellectual Property Act was unlawful. He further contended that if the appointment letter had been misplaced, the complainant could request a duplicate from the Health Ministry, while strongly denying the allegations of theft.

The Magistrate fixed further magisterial inquiry into the matter for October 1.