Former Minister – S.M. Chandrasena has been arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) a short while ago.

Chandrasena had appeared before the CIABOC today (July 04) to record a statement.

Notorious underworld figure ‘Konda Ranji’ has been reportedly linked to yesterday’s (July 03) shooting incident in Kandana, which injured Sameera Manahara, the former private secretary of late Minister Mangala Samaraweera and killed Sameera’s brother-in-law.

‘Konda Ranji’ is currently hiding in Dubai and police suspect that the attack stemmed from a dispute between Sameera and an associate of ‘Konda Ranji’ known as ‘Chooti Malli’.

The shooting took place around 10.00 am when 02 unidentified assailants opened fire on Manahara’s car with a T-56 firearm, while the duo was returning from a fitness centre, approximately 500 metres away from Sameera’s residence.

Sameera Manahara sustained gunshot wounds to his lower back but is in stable condition.

His brother-in-law, Upali Amunuwila succumbed to his injuries after being admitted to the Ragama Teaching Hospital.

A 62-year-old woman selling vegetables nearby was injured by stray bullets and a bystander was also impacted when the targeted vehicle, while reversing to escape, crashed into an electricity pole.

Police reveal that the vehicle was struck by 26 bullets with the assailants fleeing the area soon after.

Investigations have revealed that the number plate of the bike was fake with the number originally owned by a person in Medawachchiya.

Police further believe the T-56 firearm used in the crime was supplied by underworld figure ‘Paravi Sudha’, who is said to be connected to Konda Ranji’s drug and criminal network.

It has also come to light that the deceased, Upali Kulawardhana, was allegedly involved in soil smuggling with former politicians as well as involved in drug trafficking with ‘Konda Ranji’.

He had previously been sentenced to life in 2010 over a murder but was later released on appeal.

Following the shooting, police roadblocks were set up across the Western Province, North Division.

During these operations, Dungalpitiya Police had arrested 02 suspects near Dungalpitiya Lellama, Morawala, after a chase.

One suspect shot in the leg during the pursuit, is under hospital custody.

A search of their bag revealed a toy pistol and narcotics, with police stating that both suspects are heavily addicted to drugs.

It is still under investigation whether they are directly linked to the Kandana shooting.

Investigations are being conducted under the supervision of the Senior Superintendent of Police in charge of the Negombo Police Division.

(Source: Aruna)

The Attorney General yesterday (July 03) informed the Supreme Court (SC) that the Acting Inspector General of Police has issued a circular to police stations outlining the procedure to be followed when a person is summoned to make a statement regarding a complaint.

The circular has been distributed to all police stations islandwide, the court was informed.

This development was revealed during the hearing of a Fundamental Rights petition filed by energy expert Vidhura Ralapanawe against the Computer Crimes Investigation Division (CCID) of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

The petition was heard before Supreme Court Justices Achala Wengappuli and Sampath Wijeyaratne.

The petitioner claimed that when he was contacted by CCID officers over the phone to provide a statement regarding an opinion he had posted on social media. However, they had refused to disclose details of the complaint, thereby violating his fundamental rights, the petitioner further claimed.

In response to the petition, the AG has informed that in accordance with a prior undertaking given before the court by the suspended IGP – Deshabandu Tennakoon and relevant officers of the CCID, a circular had been formulated and issued to all police stations islandwide.

Counsel for the petitioner told the court that his client was satisfied with the issuance of the circular and requested that the petition be concluded.

Accordingly, the SC decided to terminate the hearing of the petition.

Suspended IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon, Sub-Inspector Thisara of the CCID, and the division’s Officer-in-Charge were named as respondents in the petition.