Police officers facing charges of misuse of state funds released on bail

Two police officers who served at the Ambagasdowa Police Station during the last presidential election and are facing allegations of financial misappropriation were released on bail by the Welimada Magistrate's Court .

They are accused of misusing over Rs.119,193 through the submission of fraudulent documents related to payments made  during the election period. 

The suspects, including former Officer in Charge (OIC) RMNK Ratnayake and Female Sub Inspector Jayachithra, both currently suspended from service, were arrested by the Bandarawela Police Division's Special Crimes Unit.

They were produced before Magistrate P. Jayasekara, who ordered that each suspect be released on bail of Rs.100,000.

According to police investigations, the suspects created false documents claiming that three individuals were employed as temporary laborers to assist the police during the election period.

Despite the individuals being reportedly engaged only for a few days, full daily wage payments were claimed for a longer period.

Inspector MMPIW Manatunga, OIC of the Special Crimes Division of the Bandarawela Police, told the court that the records submitted by the accused falsely indicated continuous labor assistance, and that Rs. 119,193 in state funds had been fraudulently claimed and misused.

Attorney Sanjeewa Weerasinghe appeared on behalf of the suspects.