Hatton-Dickoya UC Deputy Chairman in bribery net

by Ranil Wijayapala

Hatton Dickoya Urban Council Deputy Chairman was nabbed yesterday while accepting a Rs. 25,000 bribe from a boutique keeper to settle a dispute in his favour.

Director Investigations of the Bribery Commission SP Neville Guruge told the Daily News that the Deputy Chairman had solicited Rs. 50,000 from the boutique keeper to favour him at an inquiry.

The Deputy Chairman had solicited this bribe from him as the owner of the boutique had lodged a complaint at the Hatton Dickoya UC to take back his shop from this boutique keeper, who is now managing it well. The owner has also lodged a complaint at the Police as the keeper who had taken the boutique from the owner on rent was not willing to give him the boutique back.

The Deputy Chairman who was entrusted with settling the complaint lodged at the UC had solicited Rs. 25,000 from the boutique keeper before taking a decision in favour of the boutique keeper and the balance Rs. 25,000 after resolving the matter.

"The boutique keeper complained to the Bribery Commission and investigation officers arrested him at his office yesterday morning while accepting the bribe," SP Guruge added.

He was due to be produced before the Hatton Magistrate yesterday afternoon.