People’s Bank Assistant Manager remanded as investigators probe the disappearance of over Rs.35 million and examine vault procedures.
The People’s Bank financial irregularity investigation took a fresh turn after the Horana Chief Magistrate ordered the remand of an Assistant Manager accused in connection with the disappearance of more than Rs. 35 million from the bank.
Horana Chief Magistrate Lakmini Widhanagamage directed that the Assistant Manager of the People’s Bank branch in Horana remain in remand custody until the 23rd of this month. The suspect, identified as 54-year-old Nandana Sarath Kumara, had earlier been questioned by police under detention orders before being produced in court.
When presenting facts before the Horana Magistrate’s Court yesterday (9), officers stated that investigations had revealed significant discrepancies regarding the movement of the missing funds. According to police, although it had been claimed that the money was removed from the bank vault at around 8:00 AM on the relevant day, investigations showed that the cash had not been taken for deposit into Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) until approximately 1:30 PM.
Officers attached to the Western Province North Intelligence Crime Investigation Division informed court that a report concerning the bank’s duty and operational procedures has now been requested. Investigators also indicated that steps are being taken to file charges against the suspect under the provisions of the Public Property Act.
The inquiry was launched following a complaint made by an individual regarding an alleged irregularity within the bank’s financial operations.
Police further informed court that the security officer, identified as the second suspect in the case, had already been arrested and remanded. He faces allegations relating to the failure to notify senior bank officials regarding the process used to transport money to the ATMs. Authorities stated that the security officer is scheduled to be produced before court on June 11.
In addition, investigators revealed that steps have been taken to withdraw from court a separate drug-related case that had previously been filed against the suspect Assistant Manager under Section 54.
During proceedings, the Magistrate directed police to examine whether the serial numbers of the currency notes allegedly transported to the ATMs, if such records exist, correspond with the serial numbers of the money later discovered inside the bank’s storage room.
The court further ordered investigators to submit a detailed report on those findings.
Magistrate Widhanagamage also instructed police to produce before court all relevant security camera footage connected to the disappearance of the funds.
Appearing on behalf of the suspect Assistant Manager, Attorneys-at-Law Thushara Gunaratne and Ranjan Haputhanthri requested that court direct police to submit a consolidated evidence report outlining the allegations against their client.
The defence lawyers also sought clarification regarding the specific legal provisions under which the suspect is expected to be charged.
Attorney-at-Law Hemantha Wickramaarachchi appeared on behalf of the relevant bank during the proceedings.
Responding to the requests made by the defence, police informed court that a consolidated evidence report would be submitted at the appropriate stage of the investigation.
The case involving the Assistant Manager is scheduled to be called again before the Horana Magistrate’s Court on the 23rd of this month, when investigators are expected to present further findings relating to the disappearance of more than Rs. 35 million from the bank.
