30-Year-Old Murder Case where Douglas Devananda involved Resurrected in Chennai
On 1st November 1986,members of the EPRLF led by Douglas Devananda then involved in a shoot-out in Choolaimedu, in which a local by name Thirunavukkarasu was killed in the cross-fire. Devananda and nine others were arrested and released on bail. But, they absconded and non-bailable arrest warrants were issued against them. In the meanwhile, Douglas Devananda became a minister in the Mahinda Rajapaksa’s government. Hence, during his couple of official visits to India, he has not been arrested as his non bailable arrest warrant has been withdrawn.
When the case was resurrected in the 4th Additional Sessions Judge, Police made an application to hear Douglas case separately, which was approved.
This case commenced yesterday before IV Additional Sessions Judge Shanthi in Chennai, with the examination of Gurumoorthy, a witness, by Additional Public Prosecutor.
The judge adjourned the case till February 1 for further action.