Chief Inspector nabbed with venison, wild boar

A Chief Inspector of Police and three restaurant owners were arrested by the Wattegama Police at Pitiyegedera yesterday with five carcasses of deer and a wild boar in their possession. Two T -56 service weapons, nine spent bullets and nine live bullets, an electric torch and a large knife along with the carcasses were also taken into Police custody.

Initial investigations had revealed the Chief Inspector Sunil Samarajeewa of the Wanathawillu Police had been transferred to the Madampe Police on an acting basis. The three restaurant owners were from Marawila and Dankotuwa.

Police alleged that they shot down the animals in the Knuckles Range on Thursday night and had been returning with the carcasses when the Wattegama Police stopped them in the early hours on Friday at Pitiyegedera for a routine check.

The main suspect had revealed his identity and pleaded with the Police to save him and had also contacted Wanathawillu Police to intervene but to no avail

Police said the meat of the hunted animals was for the restaurants in Marawila and Dankotuwa.

At the time of going to press the suspects were being interrogated and their statements recorded. They were due to be produced before a Magistrate yesterday.

When contacted by media some high ranking Police officials, who did not want to be identified expressed shock and dismay. Such action by certain Police officers had brought disrepute to the department and disgraces the entire Police force, they said.