The expert committee will submit the analytical report on the death of Dinesh Shafter to Magistrate Court in two weeks.

Colombo Additional Magistrate Rajindra Jayasuriya informed us that the five-member expert medical panel appointed to perform a fresh post-mortem examination into the death of businessman Dinesh Schaffter has concluded its task, and its analytical report is to be submitted to the court within two weeks.

Accordingly, the Additional Magistrate ordered the CID that the body of the deceased be released to his family members as the post-mortem examination has been concluded by the five-member expert medical panel.

Meanwhile, President’s Counsel Saliya Pieris, appearing for the interests of Chandra Schaffter, the father of the late Dinesh Schaffter, brought to the Magistrate’s attention three facts. He said the findings of the first post-mortem examination conducted by Dr. Ruhul Haq to the effect that death was due to cyanide poisoning contradicted the government analyst’s report. He further said Dr. Rahul Haq had not paid attention to the injuries as depicted in the photographs. Finally, he maintained that the forensic psychological report issued regarding Dinesh Schaffter had not been issued on a scientific basis. Pieris moved the Court that a direction be issued to the expert medical panel to consider these facts when they are conducting the post-mortem examination.

However, the Additional Magistrate observed that there is no necessity to issue an order regarding these facts since the expert panel is already well aware of them.

The Additional Magistrate observed that the verdict of the inquest into the death of businessman Dinesh Schaffter would be delivered once it receives the analytical report of the five-member expert medical panel. A further magisterial inquiry is fixed for October 9.

The body of businessman Dinesh Shafter was recently exhumed before a panel of medical experts who were appointed to perform a fresh postmortem inquiry.

On February 27, the Court appointed a five-member panel of medical experts to perform a fresh postmortem inquiry into the death of businessman Dinesh Shafter in order to ascertain whether the death was a murder or suicide.

The five-member panel comprised Professor Asela Mendis (Chairman), Professor B.C.R. Perera, Professor D.H.S. Fernando, and two JMOs, Dr. Siva Subramanium and Dr. B.R. Ruwanpura. They have been tasked with performing a fresh inquiry to determine the actual cause of death for businessman Dinesh Shafter.

President's Counsel Anuja Premaratne appeared for the aggrieved party.