Transfer of anti-crime cops shocking: Karu

Saturday, 9 November 2013 06:20 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Chairman of the UNP Leadership Council Karu Jayasuriya yesterday expressed shock and distress that 23 police officers from the Organised Crime division had been transferred arbitrarily days ahead of a major international summit to promote good governance and democracy.

Jayasuriya said there was clearly a political hand behind the transfers. The police officers transferred so suddenly had been involved in nabbing several high profile criminals and criminal groups, illegal betting centres and casinos and brothels, he said. “Commonwealth values speak of good governance – but this is a clear interference with the work of the country’s law enforcement personnel,” Jayasuriya charged. The UNP expresses its strong opposition to this move, the Chairman said, adding that this kind of action casts serious doubts on the Government’s agendas. The Police Department on Thursday transferred 23 officers on the instructions of the IGP. Police sources said these cops had been involved in several cases involving illegal betting centres and casinos but the Police Spokesman denied the charge and said it was a routine transfer.