Deshabandu Faces 9 Serious Charges: Full Story Inside!

COLOMBO (News 1st); Suspended Inspector General of Police Deshabandu Tennakoon was ordered to be remanded until April 3rd by Matara Magistrate Aruna Buddhadasa today (20).

The Magistrate instructed the Matara Prison Superintendent to take necessary measures to ensure the suspect's safety.

Suspended Inspector General of Police Deshabandu Tennakoon was remanded until today (20) after surrendering to the Matara Magistrate's Court yesterday (19).

He was brought to Matara Magistrate Aruna Buddhadasa today from the Agunakolapelessa Prison under heavy security.

At approximately 1:45 PM, Deshabandu Tennakoon was presented in handcuffs and placed in solitary confinement by prison officials.

At around 2:45 PM, the Magistrate issued a 12-page bail order, rejecting Tennakoon's bail application based on two significant reasons.

Quote Of the Magistrate's bail order:

"The Court of Appeal, on March 17th, rejected the relief sought by the suspect in the writ petition filed. According to those orders, granting bail to the suspect at this stage could hinder ongoing investigations. The Court of Appeal's decision also instructed appropriate actions against those who aided the suspect in evading arrest for 20 days. Granting bail to the suspect now could complicate the enforcement of those orders. Additionally, the court considered the submissions made by the Attorney General yesterday. Taking these factors into account, the court rejects the bail application and remands the suspect until April 3rd."

The Magistrate ordered the complainant's lawyers to conduct a thorough investigation and report progress. 

He also instructed investigations into those who aided the suspect in evading arrest.

Additional Solicitor General Dileepa Peiris, representing the complainant, requested the court's permission to record statements from the suspect while in prison.

He also requested an order to investigate the mobile phone used by the suspect during his time in hiding.

The Magistrate granted these requests.

Quote Of Additional Solicitor General Dileepa Peiris:

"Your Honor, this week has been significant in my professional career. On the 17th, I stated before the Honorable Court of Appeal Judge Laffar that this case's decision would be historic. Today, I say before your court that the 82-page inquest report issued by your court on February 27th initiated this excellent investigation. The 12-page order issued today sends a strong message about the rule of law and the enforcement of justice. No one can commit crimes and hide behind power. Those who do should be cautious now."

"I came to this court today with shame. Having to come to court under police protection is a sign of a state's failure. We need a safe environment to perform our duties. That is the true independence of the judiciary. I will not appear for this case in the future. However, I will provide necessary guidance and support to my junior officers for the investigation. I am appearing only for the eighth suspect in this case. I will not appear for the main case. Investigating officers must conclude this investigation immediately. Delaying investigations for various reasons will lead to justice being denied. Your Honor may also be transferred, and these matters will be forgotten. Some officers deliberately delay investigations, leading to justice being obstructed."

Dileepa Peiris stated that the other six individuals named as suspects in this case would surrender to the court tomorrow by filing a motion.

Quote:

"Your Honor, if there is a politician or official above the main suspect Deshabandu Tennakoon, they should also be investigated and arrested immediately. Therefore, I urge investigating officers not to delay such cases and to deliver justice promptly."

The Matara Magistrate's Court revealed today that Deshabandu Tennakoon is being investigated under nine charges.

These charges include dereliction of duty as a government employee, using eight officers in an illegal assembly for criminal purposes, shooting to intimidate and conspire to cause harm, fabricating false evidence, causing harm with fire or explosives, criminal coercion, causing the death of a police officer through deliberate negligence, causing damage to public property, and committing an offense with an automatic firearm.