These stupid acts are what give police a bad name. News like this give the country a bad name.

Police thuggery disrupts
Thursday, 11 August 2005 - 3:01 AM SL Time

High handed acts by several top police officials disrupted the proceedings of the final game of the Indian Oil Cup between Sri Lanka and India at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Tuesday, Sri Lanka Cricket officials complained.

Hundreds of spectators who had tickets were not allowed into the venue after the stadium was overcrowded and thousands of others who wanted to purchase tickets were baton charged by police on duty. SLC officials alleged that police officials were guilty of illegally accommodating favoured spectators for a consideration.

Officials also said that police were involved in taking their friends and families to the best seats available at the venue using their influence.

The entrance to the Media Center was used as a convenient backdoor to get these illegal entrants in and after SLC officials strictly instructed Delvon, the private security firm on duty, not to allow anyone without tickets or passes, a police officer threatened to break the fence and have his way. The officials later identified the Police officer as CI Nissanka, the Officer in Charge of the Maradana Police Station.

`The Island` also witnessed another senior official, identified as ASP Adhikari, threatening private security officials if Police were not given a free hand. ASP Adhikari was heard speaking in foul language tospectators and security officials.

Meanwhile the tickets for the final were in high demand and the ticket counter of Sri Lanka Cricket headquarters was closed with a sold out sign Tuesday morning. Although some spectators tried their luck at the tickets counter of the venue they were in for more disappointment when that too displayed the sold out sign.

Many spectators were forced to leave the venue despite possessing tickets as the stadium which could hold 30,000 spectators was packed and SLC officials put the blame on the Police.

A few tickets of course were available in the black market as some residents in the surrounding area had extra tickets which they sold at exorbitant prices and made a fast buck. The Rs. 50 tickets in the tiers were sold at Rs. 250, a hike of 400% while the `A` and `B` Lower tickets which were prized at Rs. 750 went for Rs. 2000. (RC)