The excise officers have been suspended over their involvement in the abduction and assault of a ‘Beedi’ manufacturer in Walasmulla area and their attempt to solicit a bribe.

The Commissioner General of Excise has taken necessary measures to suspend the suspected officers, on the directives of Finance State Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya.

Siyambalapitiya has given further instructions to take legal action against these officers regardless of their ranks.

As the ‘Beedi’ manufacturer’s license had expired on June 26, a group of excise officers including the OIC of Tangalle Excise Station had visited him at his place on September 18.

They had initially threatened to file a case against the ‘Beedi’ manufacturer for his failure to renew the license, but they had later demanded a bribe of Rs. 1.4 million to resolve the matter without going to court.

On account of the ‘Beedi’ manufacturer’s refusal to pay the bribe, the excise officers had abducted him in a three-wheeler and assaulted him, before robbing him of Rs. 1 million. The assault was captured in a nearby CCTV.

Tangalle crimes investigation unit had initiated investigations into the incident after a complaint was filed before the Walasmulla police.

On Monday (Sept. 25), five individuals including the OIC, two officers and the driver of the Tangalle Excise Station were arrested along with an army sergeant.

After being produced before the Walasmulla Magistrate’s Court, the suspects were remanded until October 05.