An organized gang claiming to be public health inspectors (PHIs) is reportedly extorting money from businesses in many parts of the island.
The racketeers give telephone calls to demand money with threats to take businessmen to courts over offences.
In recent days, they had demanded between Rs. 7,000 and Rs. 50,000 from businesses at Aluthgama, Induruwa, Hikkaduwa, Homagama and Maharagama.
A PHI involved in administration, W.D. Roshan Kumara, said no satisfactory steps have been taken by the police despite complaints being made.
He asked that the area’s PHI, police station or the MoH office be informed about instances of such demands for money.
