• Court orders CID to probe
• An associate of Harak Kata’s associate Kudu Salindu nabbed

The officers of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) told the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday (24) that they have uncovered information about an alleged plot to execute a terrorist like attack, designed to aid the escape of organised crime and drug related crime suspect Nadun Chinthaka alias “Harak Kata” who is currently in custody.

Accordingly, the Colombo Fort Magistrate Thilina Gamage has ordered the initiation of an investigation into the purported plot and called for a report on the findings.

In September, Chinthaka attempted a failed escape bid at the CID premises. Chinthaka, who was being interrogated by eight CID officers, had reportedly laced the officers’ tea with poison, with the help of a Police Constable (PC), during his questioning. He had subsequently requested to go to the washroom and was escorted out of the interrogation room with his aide, a PC and another Sub-Inspector attached to the Police Special Task Force (STF), assigned for the suspect’s protection. Although his handcuffs were removed at that point, Chinthaka had then walked out of the washroom acting as if he was still cuffed and had then attempted to snatch the STF officer’s firearm, leading to a scuffle. A group of other officers were quick to arrive at the scene upon hearing the commotion and detained Chinthaka in their custody. Amidst the altercation, the PC in question had reportedly fled the CID premises and remains in hiding to date. Now, the Police has offered a cash reward of Rs. 2.5 million for a tip-off about the said officer named Munipalage Ravindu Sandeepa Gunasekara. On 18 September, the mother and brother-in-law of this PC were arrested. The Police also obtained a 90-day detention order to interrogate them. Meanwhile, another PC was arrested on 30 September on suspicion of his involvement in Chinthaka’s escape bid.

Chinthaka was arrested in Madagascar along with his accomplice Salindu Malshika alias “Kudu Salindu” on 1 March this year in a joint operation by the International Criminal Police Organisation, and the Malagasy law enforcement authorities and Customs officials. The duo was brought back to the island after the Malagasy defence officials informed the Sri Lankan Foreign Affairs Ministry on 8 March of the arrest of eight suspects including the two said Sri Lankan suspects.

Chinthaka had been wanted by the Sri Lanka Police for his alleged involvement in multiple murders and robberies as well as transnational drug trafficking.

Meanwhile, the STF has arrested a close associate of Malshika. The apprehension was made on Tuesday during an operation launched in Alubomulla, Panadura. STF officers impounded 1 kg and 40 g of “Ice” (crystal methamphetamine) worth Rs. 20 million from the possession of the suspect. The arrestee is reportedly a 31-year-old residing at Dikthuduwa Road in Panadura. He was identified as a close associate of Malshika. He also handles the drug syndicate of “Nilanga” who is hiding in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The suspect has been handed over to the Police Narcotics Bureau for onward investigations.

Elsewhere, the Attorney General (AG) yesterday (25) requested the Court of Appeal to expedite the hearing of the petitions filed by Chinthaka and Malshika. In their petitions, the criminal duo has sought a Court order directing the CID to ensure their safety. The petitions were taken up before the Court’s President, Justice Nissanka Bandula Karunaratne and Justice Chamath Morais. During yesterday’s legal proceedings, attorney-at-law Hafeel Farisz, who appeared on behalf of the petitioners, requested the Judge bench to assign a date to confirm the facts pertaining to the petitions. Raising objections, Deputy Solicitor General Shanil Kularatne, who represented the AG, said that the petitioning party has not confirmed the facts despite several months being elapsed since the petitions were filed. Accordingly, the Judge bench ordered the petitioners and the respondents to file limited objections on 10 December and fixed the petitions for 27 January to confirm facts.