CP asks to reconsider decision to demote 7 DED officers

Commissioner of Police Mohamed Hameed (MC Hameed) has asked the police disciplinary board to reassess its decision to demote seven Drug Enforcement Department officers who were found to have used excessive force in dealing with a suspect during a raid.

The disciplinary board had decided to demote the seven DED officers, transfer them to other departments, and relieve them of commendations for discipline.

However, the CP filed for an appeal of the board’s decision with the appeals committee on September 11.

The police regulation on disciplinary and administrative offenses and penalties for such offenses empowers the CP to appeal decisions made by the disciplinary board.

A police spokesperson confirms the CP has asked for the disciplinary board’s decision to be reassessed and revised, and confirms the case is now with the appeals committee.

The appeals committee has the power to look into appeals filed regarding decisions by the disciplinary board, and either upholding decisions it concurs with, or asking the disciplinary board for a reassessment if it does not concur with the board’s decision.

However, the appeals committee does not have the power to revise the disciplinary action itself.

The seven DED officers in question were caught on video beating up a suspect, identified as a 36-year-old Bangladeshi citizen, during a drug raid on M. Ujaalaage in July.

The officers later threatened residents of a neighboring apartment who they believed to have taken the video.

Though the suspension on the seven officers have expired, the police report they will not be allowed to return to duty until a decision is finalized by the disciplinary board.

The officers also had a criminal probe conducted against them, which has been sent for duty prosecution the Prosecutor General’s Office – a process in which the investigative agency and the PG’s Office exchange information and counsel.

A police spokesperson reports the case will be officially handed over to the Prosecutor General’s Office for charges once it obtains the medical reports asked for by the office.