A gem of a swindle

Amila Prabath Wanasinghe

A Police sergeant and a constable attached to Hidogama Police were arrested on Saturday night for allegedly selling gems worth Rs 4 million claiming they were from a treasure trove.

The dud gems were sold to two persons in Hidogama and Mihintale by the two policemen claiming they were treasure unearthed by an individual in Hidogama about three months ago. According to Police, one purchaser had mortgaged his property for Rs 2.5 million while the other had bought the gems for Rs 1.5 million. The suspects were arrested following complaints to the Police by the duped buyers.

The suspects were produced before court and released on bail.