The Shocking Betrayal: Police Sergeant's Role in Daring Robbery Exposed

In a turn of events that has rocked the police force and the public alike, a police sergeant has been arrested and suspended for his shocking involvement in a robbery that stole gold jewelry worth a staggering 4 million rupees. The heist, which took place in 2020, had remained a mystery for years — until a breakthrough investigation brought the criminals to light, revealing the sinister truth.

A Trust Betrayed

It all started in the sleepy town of Madolsima, under the jurisdiction of the Madolsima police division. A quiet, unassuming home in the Elamana section was targeted by a gang of thieves who knew exactly what they were after: gold. The homeowner, a pawnbroker who kept valuable gold items on his property, had no idea that the person he trusted the most—a police officer—would be among those who robbed him.

For months, the case went cold, with the criminals slipping through the cracks of an already overworked police department. But then, a breakthrough came, spurred on by a renewed investigation under Badulla Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Wasantha Kandewatta. His team began looking into unresolved cases, and soon the mystery of the Elamana robbery began to unravel.

The Night of the Robbery

It was a quiet night when the robbers arrived, cloaked in darkness, intent on making off with the gold. Five individuals were involved, one of whom was a man in civilian clothing. He appeared to be an ordinary citizen — but he wasn’t. This man was a police sergeant who had been serving at the Madagama Police Station.

He and his crew arrived at the house claiming, “We are from the police, we need to inspect the house.” The homeowner, nervous and trusting, let them in, unaware that he was about to be threatened and robbed at gunpoint.

Terrified for his life, the homeowner was forced to watch as the thieves loaded up his precious gold and made their escape. To add insult to injury, after the robbery, the sergeant and his accomplices shoved the victim and his son into their getaway van, driving them down the road before abandoning them on the side of the street.

The Face of Betrayal

For months, the police had no leads, and the robbery remained unsolved. That was until fate played its hand. While browsing Facebook, the homeowner came across a photo of the man who had been one of his robbers — the very same police sergeant who had stolen from him. The victim, now certain of his identity, immediately contacted the police.

Further investigations revealed that the suspect’s mobile phone had been in the possession of a third party. After analyzing the phone records, police uncovered critical information that led them closer to the other members of the gang.

The Revelation

As the investigation unfolded, shocking details were uncovered. The sergeant was not just a corrupt officer; he was part of a larger criminal operation. Police learned that the victim was not the only one who had been duped. Several other workers, who had previously pawned their gold, had been exploited in a similar fashion by the same thieves.

The victim’s recognition of the sergeant on Facebook had been the key to cracking the case. His bravery in identifying the robber, coupled with the diligent efforts of the police, led to a major breakthrough.

The Arrest

On March 28, the police sergeant was finally arrested and remanded in custody by the Passara Magistrate’s Court. The Badulla District Crime Investigation Unit continues to probe further into the case, with several more arrests expected in the coming weeks.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kamal N. Gunawardhana, who had personally overseen the suspension of the officer, expressed deep disappointment at the officer’s betrayal. He emphasized that police officers are entrusted with upholding the law — not breaking it. As a result, disciplinary actions, including a formal investigation, will follow.

A Message to the Public

This shocking case serves as a cautionary tale for the public: always be vigilant. The police department, while facing this grave betrayal, continues to assure the public that the vast majority of officers are dedicated to their duties and to protecting the community.

A police spokesperson stressed the importance of verifying the identity of anyone claiming to be a police officer, especially if they show up unannounced. He advised those who deal with valuables like gold to take extra precautions and to contact their local police station if they have any doubts.

Moving Forward

Though this case began as a robbery, it has now become a symbol of betrayal within the very institution meant to protect and serve. As the investigation unfolds, one thing is clear: the police force is committed to rooting out corruption and ensuring that those who betray their oath face the consequences.

For the victim, the nightmare may be over, but for the police force, the battle to restore trust is just beginning.