Former Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Neville de Silva, previously attached to the Colombo Crime Division (CCD), was arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) this evening.

The Police stated that he was arrested over a case involving the kidnapping of a person and the seizure of property.

On 2 August 2023, a businessman in Kuruwita, Ratnapura, lodged a complaint at the CCD, claiming that he had been kidnapped by a person who seized Rs 140 million worth of gems, vehicles, and other valuable property from him.

Following the complaint, the suspect was forcibly taken to the CCD by ASP de Silva, and the property was returned to the complainant without a proper inquiry.

The Court was informed about the case; however, the property was released to the complainant without following due procedure. The suspect subsequently lodged a complaint with the CID.

ASP de Silva was arrested in connection with this case.