Tuesday, July 26, 2005

Police under pressure to go soft on Mervyn’s son by Kurulu Kariyakarawana

Police Narcotics Bureau officers who were involved in a dispute with Deputy Minister Mervyn Silva’s son at a five star hotel yesterday expressed shock over a statement made by Police Chief Chandra Fernando.

At a news conference yesterday the Inspector General of Police in response to a question saidf there was no evidence that Malaka Silva and the others had attacked PNB officers who were on duty but Mr. Silva and others had interfered with the officers who were returning after finishing their duty.

A PNB officer condemning the IGPs statement said the narcotics team had been on a mission and on duty when the incident occurred.

He said the narcotics officials had gone to the hotel with a search warrant and they were distressed that no proper action was taken against Malaka Silva and two others who were released on police bail without even being produced in court. It is reported that the team which conducted the raid and the Fort police who were conducting inquires on the PNB complaint came under pressure from superior officers to act soft on the case.

Responding to this When Colombo Division DIG Pujith Jayasundera said on the basis of the statements made he believed there was insufficient evidence to produce the suspects in courts and therefore they were released on police bail in consultation with the IGP .

However the IGP said the investigations were proceeding and action would be taken if necessary. Yesterday’s developments came a day after Deputy Minister Mervyn Silva hammered out at journalists, accusing various media groups of telling lies and warning he knew what to do about them.

(http://www.dailymirror.lk/2005/07/27/front/1.asp)

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