Private bus driver held for stealing SLCTB bus

Suspect bites policeman's hand during scuffle:

Sandasen MARASINGHE

The Pussellawa Police arrested a private bus driver for allegedly stealing a SLCTB bus.

The private bus driver who was under the influence of liquor at the time of the theft, had bitten the hand of a police officer when he was arrested, Police Spokesman SP Ajith Rohana said

He said that after being produced before the Gampola magistrate to a charge of theft and obstructing the duty of a police officer, the suspect was remanded until March 9.

The Police said that the SLCTB bus was stopped at the Pussellawa bus stand on Sunday and when the driver found the bus missing on Monday morning, he lodged a complaint with the Police. The Police said they received information that the bus had been removed by some individual.

The Police had intercepted the bus at Paradeka, Waguwa area. The Police added that when they attempted to arrest the suspect, he bit the hand of a police officer.

The Police also said the suspect on seeing the empty bus at the SLCTB bus stand, had started the bus with the key of his private bus and drove it away until the Police stopped the bus.

The Police seized the SLCTB bus and arrested the private bus driver who is a resident of Pussellawa. The suspect is a driver of a bus on the Pussellawa-Puhulwewa route.

The suspect was produced before the Gampola magistrate on the same day. Pussellawa Police OIC Chief Inspector S Rajah and IP Thalwatta are investigating.