Killing of four had connection to tea trade fraud?

by Sarath Malalasekera

The Colombo Crime Division (CCD) who took over investigations into the killing of four persons including a former Provincial Councillor and tea factory owner from Kandy is trying to ascertain whether these killing had any connection to the tea trade fraud earlier probed by the CCD.

The four killed are Mohamed Thair Mohamed Ameen of Bagatale Road, Kollupitiya; Mohamed Jaufer Mohamed Fahem of Kurunegala; Mohamed Hassan Mohamed Azrudeen of Mawanella and Mohamed Rizva Deen of Colombo 2.

The bullet riddled bodies were found by police at Malalasekera Mawatha, Colombo early Saturday.

"We are investigating in an open mind and called for the extract from the complaint made to Gampola Police by the deceased's relatives in connection with the abduction by a group of men in police uniform," CCD ASP J. Rohana Jayawardena said.

Colombo Chief Magistrate and Additional District Sarojini Kusala Werawardena who visited the scene with police directed CCD officers to investigate and submit a report to court today.

Several spent bullets and fingerprints found in the vehicle were sent to the Government Analyst for a comprehensive report, ASP Jayawardena said.

The Magisterial inquiry into the killing will be held today before the Colombo Chief Magistrate, ASP Jayawardena said.

Inspector General of Police Chandra Fernando, Colombo JMO Dr. L. B. L. de Alwis, Colombo DIG Pujit Jayasundera and the Government Analyst visited the scene yesterday morning and made their observations.

Colombo JMO Dr. L. B. L. de Alwis performed the autopsies.