Kebithigollewa Division SSP transferred to Colombo
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) in charge of the Kebithigollewa Division, Indika Lokuhetti has been transferred to the Police Field Force Headquarters in Colombo following an investigation against him for assaulting the acting OIC of the Kebithigollewa Police station.
The transfer has been made on the order of IGP C.D. Wickremeratne, with effect from February 6 with the approval of the National Police Commission and the National Election Commission. The investigation into the incident was carried out by the DIG of Trincomalee Lionel Gunatilake.
As reported, SSP Indika Lokuhetti had assaulted the acting OIC of the Kebithigollewa Police station, CI Subash Ariyaratne based on an incident where a relative of a woman IP of the same police station, who was arrested during an illicit liquor raid, being released on bail by the police.
The SSP had assaulted the said acting OIC at the SSP’s office on January 24. The report of the Judicial Medical Officer points out that the assaulted police officer is suffering injuries to his tooth and jaw.
However, the SSP has condemned the accusations and instead he has said that the acting OIC assaulted him. The SSP had presented two officers from his office as witnesses to prove his statement.
But, the police headquarters sources revealed that the acting OIC has been able to present powerful evidence against the SSP including several other police officers, who had been assaulted by the said SSP on previous occasions.
Accordingly, the transfer has been made considering the possible threats to life of the SSP and a disciplinary inquiry against him will also be conducted, a senior police officer said.
The relevant investigation report file has been forwarded to the AG for necessary action, the police sources said.
Meanwhile, SSP Loku Hetti during the investigation has revealed the misconduct of several police officers of the Kebithigollewa police station and accordingly, the IGP has taken steps to look into these claims using police intelligence units.