Algerian girl robbed, thrown off cliff in Ella: Retired cop arrested

A retired police inspector working as a taxi driver was arrested yesterday (13) in Nuwara Eliya for allegedly drugging a 26-year-old Algerian tourist, stealing her valuables worth over Rs. 800,000, and pushing her off a precipice near Rawana Ella, police said.

The tourist, identified as Sara Arrar, arrived in Sri Lanka on May 7 and had visited Kandy before travelling to Nuwara Eliya. She later booked a van online to travel from Nuwara Eliya to Ella.

According to police, during the journey, the driver offered her a fruit drink, after which she reportedly lost consciousness. 

The suspect then allegedly drove to a secluded area near Rawana Ella, took the unconscious woman out of the vehicle, pushed her into a 30-foot precipice, and fled the scene with her cash and belongings.

Despite her injuries, the tourist regained consciousness and managed to walk several kilometres to the Ella Police Station, where she filed a complaint.

She was later admitted to the Badulla Teaching Hospital for treatment.

Following the complaint, Ella Police arrested the suspect and recovered the van used in the incident along with two high-end mobile phones valued at approximately Rs. 500,000, which were allegedly stolen from the victim.

The suspect is identified as a 70-year-old retired police inspector and hired van driver, a resident of Magasthota.

The Ella Police are conducting further investigations on the instructions of Badulla District DIG Sujith Wedamulla.