Sri Lanka’s Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) has reportedly launched investigations into allegations that several politicians, lawyers and senior police officers received millions of rupees from alleged organised crime figure Nadun Chinthaka Wickramaratne, alias “Harak Kata,” State owned newspaper Dinamina reported.
According to informed sources, the investigation is being conducted by CIABOC with the assistance of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
As part of the probe, investigators are expected to obtain a detailed statement from Harak Kata, who has on several occasions allegedly mentioned the names of politicians and former senior police officers. Authorities are expected to seek further information from him regarding those claims.
Police sources further alleged that several senior officers who previously served in the CID during the period Harak Kata was held there are suspected of receiving money from him, and these allegations are also being examined.
The sources claimed that none of those officers are currently serving in the CID. Investigators are also looking into allegations that Harak Kata had financed the entire funeral expenses of a close family member of one former senior police officer.
Police sources further alleged that while Harak Kata was in CID custody, certain police officers and politicians benefited financially from him, and that officers who objected to the alleged conduct were subjected to harassment.
