A police officer has been suspended following accusations stemming from a viral video. The officer is charged with failing to secure a packet of cannabis found in a vehicle under inspection and performing his duties in a manner that caused public inconvenience by chewing betel leaves.
The incident occurred on the 25th when the officer, stationed near Colonel T.B. Jaya Mawatha in the Kollupitiya Police Division, was inspecting a vehicle without any other officers present. According to reports, the vehicle was checked in the absence of the driver or any passengers.
After inspecting the vehicle, the officer claimed to have found cannabis inside. However, the passengers recorded the incident on their mobile phones, arguing for their innocence and the absence of any cannabis in the vehicle. This video was subsequently shared widely on social media, going viral and sparking public outcry.
The footage shows the passengers vehemently arguing with the officer, insisting they were unaware of any drugs in their possession and attempting to prove their innocence. This incident adds to a series of allegations against the police for allegedly planting drugs to arrest individuals during their operations falsely.
Public trust in police operations has been increasingly strained due to such accusations, highlighting the need for transparent and fair law enforcement practices.
