Driver who stole backhoe part held

The Uragasmanhandiya Police arrested a person who served as a driver of a construction company in Bentota for stealing part of a backhoe belonging to that company on Saturday. The suspect, Mapalagama Ruppage Santha (45) of Thalgaswala, Diyakithulkanda had stolen an original spare part said to be a Rs.70,000 worth. It was found by the police when it had been given to a backhoe repairing agent in Dankotuwa to be sold.

The suspect had also given a bank account number to the shop to deposit his share of the deal.

Crimes OIC, SI P.M.Iran, Sergeants Prasanna (22680) and Chandrapala (64449) and PC Chinthaka (75298) conducted the raid.

The suspect was to be produced before the Elpitiya Magistrate yesterday.