Shani Abeysekara, the Director of the Criminal Investigation Department, came under focus in court today as the defence for former State Intelligence Service chief Suresh Sallay sought to have the Easter Sunday attack investigation removed from his supervision.
However, Colombo Fort Magistrate Isuru Neththi Kumara rejected the request, ruling that no strong grounds had been presented to transfer the probe to another police unit.
The order was made when the case concerning former SIS chief Suresh Sallay, who is being detained under the Prevention of Terrorism Act, was taken up today.
During proceedings, the defence argued that a fair investigation could not be expected under the present CID Director Shani Abeysekara, alleging that the inquiry was politically influenced and selectively handled.
The CID rejected that claim, telling court the investigation was not initiated to suit the needs of its director, but to uncover concealed facts linked to the Easter Sunday attacks, including several sensitive matters.
The Magistrate noted that the probe is a serious and sensitive investigation, and said strong reasons would be required for such a transfer. He observed that the original investigation had also begun under the current CID Director, and refused the request.
Court also questioned why Suresh Sallay had not been produced before court, with the Magistrate stressing that as a suspect he must be produced before court and not merely kept in custody. Accordingly, the CID was ordered to produce Sallay in court on April 22.
The Magistrate also instructed the CID to look into allegations of possible witness intimidation, record a statement from Asaad Maulana before the next hearing if possible, and conclude investigations expeditiously.
The case was postponed to April 22. (Newswire)