To prevent falling prey to criminals posing as police officers, the public is urged by law enforcement to carefully verify the identity of plain-clothed individuals claiming to be officers before consenting to any personal or property checks. Citizens are reminded of their right to request official identification from officers in plain clothes to confirm their authenticity before agreeing to any inspections.
This advice follows an incident in Maradana where an individual was robbed by two individuals masquerading as police officers. According to reports, the victim was assaulted and robbed of his wallet and mobile phone, valued at nearly Rs. 200,000, by two individuals on a motorcycle who falsely identified themselves as police officers near Ketawalamulla Junction on a Friday night. The suspects later demanded Rs. 35,000 from the victim to return the stolen items.
Upon receiving a complaint, the police launched an investigation into the matter. On Saturday (15), Maradana Police acted on information regarding a person carrying heroin on a motorcycle. They intercepted the motorcycle at Fonseka Mawatha, conducted a search, and found 12 grams and 120 milligrams of heroin in the possession of the rider.
The arrested suspect, a 28-year-old Maradana resident, was found to be using the same motorcycle associated with the earlier robbery. Further interrogation and investigation led the police to recover the stolen mobile phone hidden in the suspect’s residence. Maradana police are currently pursuing leads to apprehend the second suspect involved in the robbery.
