Warrant issued for arrest of ex-OIC for handing over cattle to suspected rustlers in violation of Magisterial order

The Polonnaruwa Magistrate has issued a warrant for the arrest of a former Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the Welikanda Police, over allegations of contempt of court.

The order was issued after the former OIC allegedly violated a court directive in a cattle smuggling case.

Several months ago, the Welikanda Police arrested two suspects in connection with stealing 20 cows. The court ordered that the cows be handed over to a government farm. However, petitions were submitted to senior police officers and the Magistrate, claiming that the former OIC disregarded the court order and handed over the cattle to the suspects.

After reviewing the matter, the court ordered the police to arrest the former OIC and produce him before the court. An overseas travel ban was also imposed on the suspect OIC.

The Magistrate forwarded the petitions to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of the North Central Province for further investigations.

Two suspects involved in the case were produced before court on Tuesday (18). Police reported to the court that the former Welikanda OIC was absconding.