Theft staged for insurance claim?

Priyadarshani Kahawala - Ingiriya central grp corr

A suspect produced before court by Ingiriya Police, for allegedly stealing at a fabric shop, told the magistrate that the woman who owned the shop had told him to burgle her shop.

He also told the magistrate that he did not steal any goods and the only thing he did was breaking the padlocks on the door.

Following his statement, Horana acting magistrate Manel Gunathilaka ordered the police to reproduce those concerned before court on January 11.

The magistrate also ordered to release the suspect on Rs 5,000 bail and Rs. 50,000 personal bond. The suspect is a resident of Bulathsinghala.

According to the Police, the woman who owned the shop had complained to Ingiriya police that her shop had been robbed and the thieves had stolen ready-made garments worth Rs. 2,500,000. When the Police investigated the incident it was found that the shop had been insured for Rs 260,000.

The police believe that the woman had told the suspect to commit the robbery. Investigations are continuing.