CIABOC Denies Plans to Detain Former CID DIG

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption informed the Colombo Magistrate’s Court that there is no preparation underway to arrest former Deputy Inspector General of Police Rohan Premarathna of the Criminal Investigation Department.

This statement was made during a hearing of a anticipatory bail application filed by Premarathna, who had requested bail in anticipation of a possible arrest. 

During the court proceedings, investigating officers stated that they only require a statement from Premarathna regarding the incident in question, and that there is no current necessity to arrest him. 

They also confirmed that no officers had visited his residence with the intention of making an arrest.

Appearing on behalf of Premarathna, Attorney-at-Law Sarinda Jayawardena argued that his client was under threat of arrest in connection with a financial fraud investigation that allegedly occurred during his tenure as CID Director. 

The attorney-at-law revealed that the investigation was initiated based on anonymous petitions, and is being conducted by both the Financial Crimes Investigation Unit of the CID and the Colombo Crimes Division.

A case related to these investigations has already been filed before the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court.

The Bribery Commission has also summoned Premarathna to provide a statement regarding the incident. His attorney requested that the court release him on anticipatory bail, citing the possibility of arrest during the statement recording.

After reviewing the submissions, the Additional Magistrate scheduled the next hearing for August 26 to further consider the bail application. 

The court also ordered Premarathna’s attorney to ensure his client appears before the Bribery Commission on August 4 to provide the required statement.