The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) informed the court yesterday (28) that the foreign DNA sample found on the zip ties that were used to tie the hands of deceased Janashakthi Group of Companies Director Dinesh Schaffter was confirmed to be that of a police officer.
The foreign DNA sample belonged to Scenes of Crime Officer (SOCO) Police Sergeant (29541) Sunil, the CID informed the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court citing the Government Analyst’s report.
Blood samples obtained from 27 people, including nurses, medical staff members who treated Mr. Schaffter at the Colombo National Hospital, police officers and Mr. Schaffter’s friend Brian Thomas were forwarded to the Government Analyst for further testing.
Among them, the Analyst had reported that the foreign DNA sample was compatible with the blood samples of Police Sergeant Sunil.
Further blood samples needed to be obtained from the mother of the deceased since the previously obtained sample was insufficient, the CID informed the court.
President’s Counsel Anuja Premaratne, who appeared for the late businessman’s family requested that DNA related investigations be carried out through the Genetech Institute, Borella.
After storing data on the mobile phone used by businessman Schaffter, the CID handed over the phone to the court.
The Magistrate said that Mr. Schaffter’s brother or wife can make a request to the court if they want to use the phone data.
The case was postponed to July 11.
