Death of girl: Police say independent probes underway without any interference

• At least 35 statements have been recorded over the death as of now
• Police say that they are conducting investigations from all angles

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya 

The police are conducting an independent investigation into the death of the 16-year-old domestic aide who worked at former Minister Rishad Bathiudeen’s residence, without any interference from any person.

The Police said that all the facts are being produced in the Court impartially and regularly to bring all the culprits to justice. 

Also, on the instructions of the Attorney General, several officers including a Deputy Solicitor General are appearing in court on behalf of the complainants and giving advice to carry out the investigations properly.  Police said that further investigations are being carried out under the supervision of Senior DIG in charge of the Western Province Deshabandu Tennakoon and Senior DIG in charge of Crimes and Traffic Ajith Rohana on the instructions of the IGP. 

The police said though investigations were launched soon after the incident, but statements could not be recorded due to her poor health. 

However, all the officers who went to obtain statements have recorded the reason in writing. 

At least 35 statements have been recorded over the death as of now and the investigation team is making further statements.  Police said that they are conducting investigations from all angles with the necessary scientific and technical assistance in this regard and the aim is to uncover all the scientific evidence against the crime. 
The police arrested the wife, father-in-law and the person who had brought the girl to the house over the death, while the brother-in-law of the former minister was arrested in connection with another rape that took place in this house. 

They were detained for 72 hours for further questioning and to be produced in court today.