Court prevents ’Harak Kata’ from being moved to another location

The Court of Appeal today issued an order preventing Nadun Chinthaka Wickramaratne alias ‘Harak Kata’ from being moved to another location from his current detention custody by the CID, without informing the Court of Appeal, the Colombo Fort Magistrate's Court and the Attorney General.

This order will be effective till the final determination of the writ petition filed by Nadun Chinthaka Wickramaratne. He is challenging the legality of the detention order issued on him by the Minister of Defence. He is further seeking an order not to extend the detention order issued against him. 

Meanwhile, the Court of Appeal-two-judge bench comprising Justice (President) Nissanka Bandula Karunaratne and Justice Chamath Morais issued notices on the respondents, returnable for September 25. 

Eight suspects including the alleged drug kingpin Nadun Chinthaka alias “Harak Kata” and his accomplice identified as Salindu Malshika Gunaratne alias “Kudu Salindu” were arrested in Madagascar for alleged drug trafficking charges. 

The father of 'Harak Kata' had also filed a writ petition seeking an order directing the authorities to take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of the detainee in accordance with the law. (Lakmal Sooriyagoda)