Court orders swift probe into misuse of “Million for Ishaq” fundraiser

• Investigation was initiated based on a complaint lodged by announcer and media personality Rangana de Silva

By Bhagya Silva   
The Mulleriyawa Police informed Colombo Additional Magistrate Kasun Kanchana Dissanayake yesterday that an investigation has been launched into individuals suspected of misusing the “Million for Ishaq” fundraising campaign initiated to support ailing veteran artist Ishaq Baig to fraudulently collect money from foreign nationals.   
Police said the investigation was initiated based on a complaint lodged by announcer and media personality Rangana de Silva.   
According to the police, an unidentified individual had impersonated Rangana de Silva and contacted Sri Lankans living abroad via phone calls, requesting financial contributions to the fundraising campaign. Upon receiving such requests, several individuals had contacted the real Rangana de Silva for clarification, which led to the discovery of the alleged scam and the subsequent complaint.   
After considering the facts presented, the Additional Magistrate instructed the police to submit a progress report on the investigation to court without delay.