Fisheries inspector netted demanding bribes from tsunami fishermen

by Ranil Wijayapala

The Investigation Unit of the Bribery Commission yesterday arrested a Fisheries Inspector in Pottuvil while in the act of accepting bribes from tsunami affected fishermen to issue boats and motors that were meant to be distributed free of charge among the fishermen.

Director, Investigations of the Bribery Commission SP Neville Guruge told the Daily News yesterday that investigation officers from Colombo made the arrest yesterday at the suspect's office in Pottuvil following a tip off from a local fisherman.

The Fisheries Inspector is reported to have demanded from each would be recipient of a fishing boat and motor valued at Rs. 250,000 to pay Rs. 50,000 for allocating them boats and motors that were meant to be distributed free of charge.

"According to information the Fisheries Inspector has already issued nearly 120 boats and motors among fishermen in the area", SP Guruge added.

The fishermen who was asked to pay Rs. 50,000 for allocating a boat and a motor had paid Rs.30,000 to the Fisheries Inspector at his office when decoys from the Bribery Commission arrested the suspect.

The Fisheries Inspector had asked the fisherman to pay the balance Rs. 20,000 upon receipt of the boat and the motor.

The Fisheries Inspector was due to be produced before Moneragala Magistrate last afternoon, SP Neville Guruge added.

"We will produce the Fisheries Inspector soon before the Colombo Magistrate Court", he added.