A former police officer has been arrested following the circulation of a viral video showing a woman being forcibly abducted by two individuals, one dressed as a police officer.

The incident occurred on 18 January outside a private hospital hostel in Wellawatte. Police investigations revealed that the man impersonating a police officer was a suspended officer who had failed to report for duty.

The Wellawatte Police arrested the ex-officer, who is set to be produced before the Mount Lavinia Magistrate’s Court. It was later discovered that the abductors had stolen cash and valuables from the woman before abandoning her near Welikada.

Investigators determined that the van used in the abduction was rented. Further inquiries revealed that the arrested officer and the woman were husband and wife, though they had been living separately. Police are continuing their efforts to apprehend the second suspect involved in the crime.