5 April 2012 09:32 am
Hirunika Premachandra the daughter of slain Presidential adviser Baratha Lakshman Premachandra expressed her disappointment on the conduct of the Criminal Investigations Department in relation to the Magistrates court inquiry involving the murder of her father.
“I am really disappointed at what happened yesterday. The Judge on the previous hearing ordered the CID to inform the court as to the whereabouts of Duminda Silva and to inform the court as to why he has not been arrested as yet. I feel and believe that the CID purposely absconded court because they had to answer these questions. The police who were on duty at that time requested all the government officers including the CID to stay inside the court room, and requested the others to stay outside the court room, since yesterday was the last day of court before the new years so many cases were to be taken up and there was a large gathering. If other government officers can stay on till their case's are taken up why couldn’t he be present?” she asked
The Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court on the 27th of March directed the CID to inform court of MP Duminda Silva’s whereabouts and asked the CID why Mr. Silva has not been arrested yet. The court directed the CID to give a comprehensive report on Mr. Silva’s present medical condition and to inform the court of any difficulties that have arisen during the investigations. But when the inquiry came up on Wednesday the CID officer was not present in the court.
Premachandra asked as to how the family of the deceased can expect justice when the law enforcement authorities delay their duty. “It is the law enforcement authorities which have to first do their job properly in serving justice to the people. If the Police and the CID conduct themselves in this manner how can one have faith in justice being delivered?” she asked.
On the 4th of April the Colombo Chief Magistrates court ordered the CID officer in charge of the investigation to be present personally in court on the 17th of April. (By Hafeel Farisz)