Acting IGP calls for CID report on six controversial cases

(FASTNEWS|COLOMBO) -The Acting Inspector General of Police Chandana Wickramaratne has called on the Criminal Investigations Department to submit a report on six controversial incidents which took place during the term of the former United People’s Freedom Alliance led government, including the murders of veteran journalist Lasantha Wickrematunge, national rugby player Wasim Thajudeen and 17 aid workers in Muttur.

The Acting IGP instructed the CID to submit the report before the 23rd of August. The report was called following the letter addressed to the Acting IGP by the Attorney General Dappula de Livera regarding five chief investigations carried out by the CID.

The cases also include the abduction of journalist Keith Noyahr, the abduction and disappearances of 11 youth and the abduction and disappearance of Prageeth Eknaligoda.

The Acting IGP instructed the CID to submit the report based on 11 facts including the date instructions were issued to launch the investigation, the date the investigations commenced, the current status of the investigations, information revealed during investigations, identified suspects, arrested suspects and information regarding their property.

The Acting IGP also instructed the CID to include the date when Court was informed of the investigations, the relevant Court, case number, orders issued by Court pertaining to investigations and the action taken based on the orders, in the report.

The Acting IGP has also inquired the CID on reasons as to why the investigations have not concluded thus far, and a fair deadline to conclude investigations.

The Acting IGP also inquired if all suspects had been identified and arrested and if there were more suspects yet to be identified.

The Acting IGP also inquired the CID whether sufficient evidence was found to file cases against the suspects and whether more evidence was needed.

The Acting IGP inquired the CID on whether the Attorney General’s advice had been sought regarding investigations, a concised report on if action had been taken based on the advice and measures taken if the Attorney General had not issued instructions. (NR)