The dead bodies and their exposure an organised conspiracy - Senior DIG

Keerthi MENDIS

INTERVIEW: The responsibility of maintaining the law and order in the country comes within the purview of the Department of Police.

Nevertheless, during the recent past the conduct of the police in this regard is subject to suspicion by the public. With the escalation of incidents of abductions and murder in various places, the charges levelled against the police cannot be treated so lightly.

The “Silumina” queried the present Inspector General of Police Victor Perera on this issue.

We are unable to point the finger at anybody in particular, responsible for such incidents. Yet, we can say that these are acts of an organized group of persons motivated to put the Government into uneasiness. I have already engaged a special unit in the C.I.D. to make inquiries.

With the discovery of 10 dead bodies of young men in the areas of Muthurajawela and Thirappane, the unrest that triggered got accelerated. The Police never conduct themselves to hurt the public in this manner.

In response to the emergence of this situation, the I.G.P.assigned the task of answering the media on this issue to Senior D.I.G. Jayantha Wickremaratne. This is a rare assignment in the police history.

This is the first occasion, a senior police officer was appointed to a post of this nature. Following is what the Senior DIG told us about this situation:

At the moment we have information that an unidentified Tamil political group is behind these killings. It has not been clearly established yet as to who are responsible for these murders.

There were incidents of this nature that took place even before the present killings. A few years ago the police recovered a dead body without the head from near the Bolgoda river at Avissawella.

On Court orders, we referred the body for a DNA examination. Like this, we investigate every incident in full. With regard to bodies found in Thirappane and Muthurajawela, we have engaged police teams to investigate.

Whichever the group causing these crimes is motivated to discredit the country on international level and bleak the future of this country.

Q: Certain media accuse the Defence Forces as responsible for abductions and wanton killings taking place at various places?

A: There are accusations from various political quarters but without substantial evidence. Such allegations may be motivated to put the Government into uneasy situations.

There are suspicions that groups disguised as police officers and army personnel are causing these crimes. The IGP has entrusted investigations in this regard to the CID. Let us wait and see what is going to happen in the future.

Q: There are allegations now that Emergency Regulations and Prevention of Terrorism Act are being made use of to violate human rights. Is that not so?

A: Allegations can be made by any person. We have to ascertain how far they are accurate. If the present people in custody are innocent they can go before the Human Rights Commission and take action against the Government.

That is an independent body. There is another thing that I have to mention. Every person taken into custody is entitled to meet his or her lawyers and next of kin.

Q: Some people who were arrested recently allege that they are not connected with any crimes but the Government is intentionally incriminating them?

A: People may utter what they want. Investigations conducted in respect of persons arrested under Emergency Regulations reveal the true position. When two suspects were arrested in respect of Rs.9.79 million undeclared cash in the course of interrogation 15 names of persons involved were revealed and going by their conversations over the telephone numbers their links with the LTTE organization were discovered. They were arrested.

Similarly, an organization called Viplawakami Vimukthi Sanvidhanaya had built up links with the LTTE and having undergone training under them, they used firearms received from the Tigers to cause destruction to government and private property while receiving monetary benefits from the LTTE.

As a result of investigations, 22 suspects were arrested. The police could nab them because of such investigations. These elements are a serious threat to peace. Such stories are many.

Q: There were charges levelled against many high ranking police officers.The IGP made reference to those instances. The names of a number of DIGs were mentioned in that regard?

A: The IGP made that reference not at a media briefing but at a meeting with the police officers. The names of those involved will be known in due course.The National Police Commission is inquiring into that matter.

Q: Some time back you spoke of an increase of crimes in the South?

A: The best example for that is the Ambalangoda incident. A police officer came across his death on that occasion. What followed next is material for thinking rather than talking. It is a puzzle how these people are playing hide and seek with the police.

The criminals could have been netted before the commission of the crime. That happened even in Tangalle. Things of this nature do not happen now.

Q: Is suppression of under world successful now? There were accusations that the underworld is operating in collaboration with the LTTE?

A: Investigations are proceeding in terms of the information received. We have information that the terrorist groups and underworld members work hand in glove in crimes involving drug trafficking and extortions.

But, through fear people are disinclined to complain against them. We have taken steps to safeguard the secrecy of the informants.

Q: Can we expect justice and fairplay from you in the discharge of your duties as the new media spokesman?

A: I am used to associate with the media closely. I hope to start a new media unit. I think it is better to understand the limits of our duty and give the public true news relating to security situation.

Even the National Police Commission is not well disposed towards the Police. They are of the view that the police is often at fault.

Any person can complain against any person. Complaints must be investigated fairly. We too receive complaints.

They are disposed of through the relevant DIGs on disciplinary action. Complaints of bribery or corruption are referred to the Bribery Commissioner’s Department after preliminary investigation.

Courtesy SILUMINA