Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court today ordered the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD) to conduct an unbiased investigation into the hand grenade found at the Borella All Saints’ Church.The Court also ordered the expeditousconclusion to the investigations.
Accordingly, Colombo Additional Magistrate Rajindra Jayasuriya directed the CCD to submit a report detailing the progress of the investigations into the incident within one week.The remanded suspect Indika Prasad was ordered to be further remanded till February 2.
Defence Counsel Rienzie Arsekularatne PC with counsel Thejitha Koralage and UdaraMuhandiramge appearing for the suspects arrested over the incident sought an order directing the IGP to transfer the ongoing investigations from CCD to another police investigation unit.
Explaining the sequences of events which demonstrate the suspicious conduct of police investigations, Arsecularatne said they do not believe that the CCD could conduct a fair investigation.
“The faction which wants to cover up the truth behind the Easter Sunday attacks is definitely behind this incident as well. We seek an order directing the IGP to transfer the ongoinginvestigation to another police unit”, said Arsecularatne.
Senior Counsel Chaminda Athukorala with counsel Hafeel Farisz appearing for the retired medical practitioner Dr.Shirley Herath (75) sought an order that their client be subjected to court’s observation while being detained under police custody. Mr. Athukorala alleged that his client had been arrested even without giving reason for the arrest after raiding his Piliyandalaresidence. Defence Counsel further said police had seized several items including four air rifles and electronic devices without tendering a receipt to that effect.
President’s Counsel Nevil Abeyratne appearing for the aggrieved party and Colombo Archbishop Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith alleged that police have failed to arrest real suspects behind the incident.
Assistant Superintendent of Police Nevil Silva appearing for the CCD denied the allegation that they were conducting a biased investigation. He further said newspaper reports pertaining to the incident are not based on the CCD investigations. ASP Silva said police have so far arrested seven suspects.
